Reflection

"Challenging... Inspiring...Faith Building!"

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish

Weekend Mass Times:

Saturday Vigil - 6 pm

Sunday - 8 am, 10 am and 5.30 pm

Please follow the social distancing directions at the Cathedral.

REFLECTION

This week our Diocese is celebrating 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. During this time Catholic schools have grown to become the second largest provider of education, only beaten by government schools. We educate 1 in 5 students. Catholic Education is important as it reminds us of the teachings of Jesus. Jesus was referred to as teacher or rabbi repeatedly. His storytelling approach is utilized in every classroom, every day, in every key learning area.

Jesus was recognised for His passion for teaching, for continuing to pursue the spreading of God's message to everyone. This passion is reflected in our teachers today. the time and effort spent in planning, preparing and presenting to all students is to be recognised and commended. Education has changed over time, with a greater focus now on developing students ability to think, explore and be challenged to find their way through the myriad of available information. When examined closely this is similar to Jesus approach. He would use stories and parables when talking with crowds allowing each person to recognise their own place in the story and determine their own path forward to good.

PRAYER

200 YEARS - FAITH IN THE FUTURE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA

Almighty and all-loving God,

with gratitude for the endeavours of Catholic education in the past,

with confidence in our Catholic pre-schools, schools and universities today,

and with faith in their continuing contribution in the future,

we celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in this Great South Land.

As our Heavenly Father,

we thank you for your providential care for your children in this land in inspiring priests, religious and lay people to found and staff our schools in ages past.

Through them the Good News of your Son was brought to the young

even in colonial times – and ever since.

As Christ the Teacher,

you grace the staff and leaders of Catholic education today.

As they build on the achievements of their predecessors

direct them in their present efforts to ensure that every young Australian

has the opportunity for an excellent education and formation in faith.

As our Inspiring Spirit, you lead us into the future.

In the century ahead grant those teaching and learning in our schools,

those planning and leading, and the families and community that

entrust their young people to us, a love of learning and a willingness to be the face of Christ in the world of tomorrow.

Pour out your abundant blessings upon all involved in

the ministry of Catholic education. Amen.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross – pray for us.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Patron of Catholic Education in Australia – pray for us.