R.E News - Assistant Principal / Mission

Catholic Principles and Values

As you are no doubt aware from previous newsletters, the curriculum across schools in the Diocese of Armidale ensures that Catholic principles and values (CPVs) are embedded and explicitly taught. This is achieved not only in Religious Education but all key learning areas (KLA's). Again, as previously stated in this space the broad categories of principles from which we can extract values are;

The Primacy of God

The Sanctity of Life

Fidelity in Relationships

The Common Good

In the next few Newsletters, we will unpack these principles and examine how they are used in the curriculum.

The first principle is the Primacy of God. When Jesus was asked by the Pharisees what is the greatest commandment he replied;

  “you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind, (and secondly), you must love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-38).

This leads to the value of Love of God and Love of Neighbour. This value lends itself to explicit teaching regarding social justice issues that can arise in HSIE, Science, Art, Music and English. Who is our neighbour? How do neighbours act? These are common themes of exploration when dealing with matters such as climate change, conflict, war, poverty and so many other ethical issues in society that are often expressed in literature and Art. The love of God gives us a real purpose and meaning in our lives, to carry out His mission, to bring the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. It gives us strong motivation to care for creation, including our brothers and sisters. St John Vianney reinforces that our love of God is expressed through prayer and worship, 

“Man has a noble task: that of prayer and love…Prayer is nothing else than union with God.” 

Jesus' response to the Pharisees form the basis for identifying a set of Catholic values recognising that at all times our overriding value is love of God.

Safeguarding Sunday

Last Sunday on September 12 was  safeguarding Sunday, on which we pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm done by priests, religious and lay people in Church settings. We recommit to practices that support survivors and make the Catholic Church and its ministries the safest possible place for children and people at risk. You can find out more about the Church’s work in this area at: https://www.catholic.org.au/safeguarding-sunday

Gracious God,

you love and care for all of your children,

especially the smallest and most

vulnerable.

We entrust to you the lives of children

and adults at risk

who have been sexually abused,

and whose trust and innocence have

been destroyed.

Help us to hear their cries of pain

and to take responsibility for those

whose lives have been broken.

Help us to recognise the hurt felt by

those wounded by abuse,

and the failure to be heard.

We pray that with the help of your grace

communities and families will find

understanding and support,

so that now and in the future

their wounds may be healed

and they may find lasting peace.

Let your grace and love fall gently now

upon our children and adults at risk,

giving them the inner strength, peace and resilience

to seek out assistance when required.

We ask this prayer through our Lord 

Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God

forever and ever.

Amen

Mass at the Cathedral

As we approach the holidays, it is great news that we can attend mass again albeit under level 3 restrictions. Check out the parish website for all times but as a guide during the week you can attend mass at 9.00am or 12.00pm. Sunday Mass starts with the vigil mass at 6.00pm and then at 8.00am, 10,00am and 5.30pm on Sundays. You need to wear a mask and sign in or use the QR code as you enter.

Damian Roff

Our Founders - St Angela Merici and St John Baptiste De La Salle

Year of St Joseph

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish

Keeping in touch with what is happening in the Cathedral Parish is easy through their website and Facebook pages.

With such a difficult year and a half it has been harder for parishioner's to give to the parish through the plates, particularly when the church is closed as it is at present. The Parish account details are available on the Parish bulletin. 

Cathedral Parish Website

Information about our founders

La Salle Website

Ursuline Sisters Website