Faith, Mission & Identity

May, the Month of Mary

The tradition of dedicating this month to Mary, came about in the 13th century; the reason being that this month is the time when autumn or spring, depending on your location throughout the world, is at the height of its beauty. Spring and autumn are also connected with nature renewing itself.

In this month, we honour Blessed Mary as the Mother of Jesus and our Heavenly Mother. Using the Rosary, we pray to bring peace throughout the world.

As a way of honouring Mary this May, we will be reciting the Rosary one lunchtime a week for the month. It will run for the first 10 minutes of Lunch in St Anne’s, on a different day each week so that we cover the various Mysteries.

• Week 2: Wednesday (The Glorious Mysteries)
• Week 3: Thursday (The Luminous Mysteries)
• Week 4: Monday (The Joyful Mysteries)
• Week 5: Tuesday (The Sorrowful Mysteries)

I encourage all students to take the time this May to stop and reflect. Praying the Rosary allows us to encounter Mary and enter the mysteries of Jesus Christ. From his Incarnation to the Resurrection, we come to understand that God has revealed himself and saved us. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, continue to inspire us to a life of discipleship.

Morning Mass 

Our Morning Masses in St Anne’s continue this term. All students, staff and parents are welcome to attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather together as a Christian community in prayer. 

The dates for this term are as follows:

• Friday, April 28 (Week 1) - St Anne’s
• Friday, May 12 (Week 3) - Mother's Day Celebration, Cullen Centre.
• Friday, May 26 (Week 5)- St Anne’s
• Friday, June 9 (Week 7) - St Anne’s
• Friday, 23 June (Week 9)- St Anne’s

Waiting in Joyful Hope: From Easter to Pentecost

An extract from Br Michael Moore's reflection on the journey to Pentecost

The readings of the Easter Vigil told us that God led the People of Israel out of slavery into freedom. It was a real and physical ‘exodus’. The readings for the whole of the Easter Season continue to tell us of a journey that takes and leads us not only on a physical road, but on also to a spiritual place of hope and new life because Jesus rose from the dead. 

The Gospels from Easter to Pentecost describe the appearances that the Risen Jesus made to his followers after the Resurrection. A theme running through all these appearances is that they were unsure, worried, anxious and full of doubt. How could they not be after experiencing the tragedy of the crucifixion? Each time Jesus appears to them, he acknowledges these doubts, fears and anxiety but does not condemn them. He also acknowledges the reality of the crucifixion by showing them the wounds on his hands and side. As he does this, he also strengthens and encourages them with these words, ‘Peace be with you, do not be afraid.’ He stands with and amongst them in their anxiety and confusion. 

At the first Pentecost, the followers of Jesus had their sadness turned to joy, their weaknesses turned to strength, and their fear transformed into courage. Eventually, and in time, the same will happen to each of us – if we can wait and live in joyful hope. Through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we, too will be renewed, refreshed and restored.

We are being called to wait patiently but with hope. As we wait for Pentecost Sunday, let us do all we can to keep our spirits and thoughts as positive as possible. We are not alone – Jesus stands beside our side and says to each of us, ‘Peace be with you, do not be afraid.’

Jamie Lee Wood

Director of Religious Education and Mission