Education in Faith
Dear Parents,
I am very excited to be taking on the role of Education in Faith Leader for 2023. Like always, we have a busy year planned with lots of events and learning to take place in each of our classrooms. I look forward to working closely with Mrs Carlei and Father Leenus in a role that is new to me, and I know their support will be wonderful as it always is.
Whole School Mass
Our first Mass for this year will take place next Friday the 10th of February at 9.15AM for all who are able to attend. This Mass will be led by our new school leaders and will be a great opportunity to gather together as a community.
Classroom Culture
As we start the year all students go through the progress of getting back into their classroom routine and discuss their classroom Learning Culture. These are the expectations that the teachers and students each class hold for each other. A big part of this is each classes approach to prayer.
As you would know each day all classes start off with mindful meditation and prayer. This may look slightly different in each classroom, but is full of respectfully spent time where students are encouraged to share and speak to God.
As a part of this each class will be designing a Prayer Cloth to sit on their table during ordinary time. Some classes may chose to make this the focal point of their prayer or quiet meditation as well. We look forward to having these blessed and celebrated at our upcoming Mass.
Sunday's Gospel
Mt 5:13-16
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
You are the light of the world.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.
‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’
Notes:
- In the time of Jesus, salt was not only used for adding flavour to food, but without refrigerators or freezers to help protect and preserve meals as well. Salt and other spices were used as currency in trading.
- In speaking about this story Pope Francis said: "both salt and light are for others, not for oneself: salt does not give flavor to itself; light does not illuminate itself”
Discussing with children:
- Discuss the concept of Salt, how does it make some food better? How can we make other peoples day's better? How can we make other people's lives better?
- Ask students why light is so important. What can light represent?
- Ask children what the word ENCOURAGE means. What does it look like? Where might we get the chance to encourage others? Can they think of a time they have been encouraged?
As always please feel free to contact me at any time throughout this year including with thoughts or questions about our Faith Learning.
Take care everyone!
Tim O'Mahoney
Education in Faith Leader