Catholic Identity

Dear Families,

I would like to introduce myself … Some of you might already know me, but my name is Emily Slaughter and I am the new Religious Education Leader (REL) for 2023. I am also taking on the role of Learner Diversity Leader too. I have been a teacher at Sacred Heart for the last two years in the Grade 5/6 unit and prior to that I have taught in other Goulburn Valley schools. I am new to being a REL, so I am still finding my feet. Please don’t hesitate to come and say hello or contact me for any questions or queries you might have.

We are soon entering a time in the Liturgical year that is the pinnacle of the Catholic Church; Lent and Easter. Without the events of this time, we would not have found out that Jesus was both man and divine. The church would not have been born. Whilst the term is already jam packed, it is important to remember to take some time to be still and reflect with our families and also ourselves.

I wanted to start the year with a reading from St. Paul. This reading is the foundation for the Sandhurst Diocese theme for 2023 … “Let the words you speak always be full of grace.”

A Reading from St. Paul to the Colossians (4:6)

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

A REFLECTION FROM POPE FRANCIS

To let your speech be full of grace and seasoned with salt is to speak the truth in love by being mindful that words have the power to break or connect communities. "If there is one word that we should never tire of repeating, it is this: dialogue. We are called to promote a culture of dialogue by every possible means and thus to rebuild the fabric of society.” 

In 2023, let us all work towards a school community culture of dialogue, be curious, ask questions, share your thoughts and be present.

Let us pray together …

Loving God, we come together at the beginning of this year as a faith-filled community, ready and willing to celebrate all the blessings that we have been given. We pray that we may look to you as our model and guide so that we may bring the Kingdom of God to this community. 

We offer this prayer through Jesus Christ your Son, O Lord. Amen.

DATES FOR TERM ONE