Religious Education and Social Justice

Mothers' Day

On this Mothers'  Day, we recognise there are additional demands being asked of our parents and carers, especially mums, who are supporting their children learning at home during this challenging time. We thank and wish all of our mums, grandmothers and carers a very happy and peaceful Mothers' Day. 

"The gaze of the Mother, and the gaze of every mother. A world that looks to the future without a mother’s gaze is shortsighted. It may well increase its profits, but it will no longer see others as children. It will make money, but not for everyone. We will all dwell in the same house, but not as brothers and sisters. The human family is built upon mothers. A world in which maternal tenderness is dismissed as mere sentiment may be rich materially, but poor where the future is concerned." - Pope Francis

O Loving Lord,

You have created mothers in love and blessed them with children.

As they work tirelessly to support their families may they be showered with your blessings.

Give mothers strength to exercise compassion as they live each day under your care.

May those who are joined in your love, support mothers by their fervour of spirit and devotion to prayer.

We thank you, O Lord, for the gift of Motherhood.

May those blessed with children be granted the gifts of courage, perseverance and good health.

May they face each new day with faith and hope in your abiding love.

May all families find in the strength of your love

The priceless gift of peace

And so bear witness to your glory.

As Mary was the model of prayer, of love, and of obedience to the will of God, by your grace make mothers holy and rich with your gifts.

Bind families together in the bonds

of peace and safety

so that mothers will feel nurtured by love.

May all mothers enjoy good health

and spiritual well being

to enable them to care for their families.

Amen.

A Message from Pope Francis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the recent worldwide crisis, Pope Francis has written a special letter to the faithful, urging everyone to pray the Rosary in May:

"The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this “family” aspect, also from a spiritual point of view.

For this reason, I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. This can be done either as a group or individually; you can decide according to your own situations, making the most of both opportunities. The key to doing this is always simplicity, and it is easy also on the internet to find good models of prayers to follow."

In addition to praying the Rosary, Pope Francis has also added two prayers to be prayed in this current crisis:

Sunday Mass Activities for Children

Sunday's Gospel reading this week continues the Easter story. Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who looks after his sheep in the sheepfold. A sheepfold is like a fence around the sheep to keep them safe at night from thieves and wild animals.

By clicking on the link below you will be taken to the CathFamily website:

https://cathfamily.org/cathkids-e4-a/

Explore the Gospel by clicking on the following tabs located on the main screen:

• The Word: video of the Gospel story
• Look Closer: briefly exploration of the Gospel reading in child friendly language
• Ponder: some questions to ponder or wonder about related to the Gospel and our lives
• Respond: an activity is provided to further give children the opportunity to reflect on the Gospel of the week
• Pray: a short prayer service for families to participate in.

I  look forward to hearing some feedback from families about their experience of using the website.

We continue to offer our prayers for all those around the world who have been effected by COVID-19. Please continue to pray also for the  essential workers who are caring for us all during this pandemic.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader