Religious Dimension

CONFIRMATION Saturday 20 August

Today we give thanks for celebration of Confirmation on the weekend. It was a major sacrament celebrated at St John’s Primary School and the third step of Initiation for our Year 6 students. Whilst Father Dispin and Bishop Les Tomlinson led the congregation in prayer, I was feeling so grateful that the community were together in body and spirit, supporting our young students. Confirmation is an important step, as we ask our students to renew their faith, baptismal promises and connection to the Holy Spirit. We challenged the students to recognize the Gifts of the Spirit in themselves and in others, as they serve each other, just like Jesus did.

It takes a great deal of preparation and the support of many hands, to make this celebration so special. The music presented by Gen Bryant and her band was so welcoming, uplifting and reverent at the same time. So much symbolism was evident at the celebration, including the students’ baptismal candles, which were lit from the Paschal candle and then passed on from the child's sponsor to the candidate. It was a reminder of how receiving the holy spirit is an ongoing commitment and journey.

Thank-you to the families for helping to prepare your children for this special sacrament. The family banners displayed in the Church are also a symbol of each families commitment to supporting their child's faith. It was a very memorable celebration for everyone who was involved.

Dear Lord,

We pray for all of our students at St John's Mitcham and particularly our Year 6 students, that the wisdom of the Holy Spirit enlightens them to always make decisions which lead them to loving others and to following the will of God.

Amen

Strive to enter through the narrow door, which is a difficult path but leads us to follow Jesus.

Luke 13: 22-30

In this week's gospel there is a message of hope in this motivational speech. Does Jesus leave the question open as to “Who can be saved”? There is something to be reflected upon in the phrase “I do not know where you come from,” as it is mentioned twice. When we are trying to get a sense of a person a question we might ask is, “Where are you from?” However, God knows us deeply so, is it something else Jesus is enquiring about?

Where we come from can be understood as the source of our actions, our motivation, our intent, etc. If we do not keep our whole life centered on and rooted in God, we can be led astray. Our desire and willingness to do God’s will in our life, despite our weaknesses, will be important.

How can you live your life to strengthen an everlasting relationship with God?

Melinda Buscema (Deputy and RE Leader)