Holy Week

Holy Week is looking unlike any other we have ever seen and likely we will all be celebrating Easter in a very different way. With the various social restrictions that the Government is using to protect us, it’ll be an Easter like no other. The prospect of inviting family to a small gathering at home is not on the cards, let alone vising the Church.

Due to the importance it holds in the lives of Christians, for many, Easter is often that one time in the year that families try to get to Church. Whilst that is not possible this year, Fr Abmar, has forwarded us this information for you to read at home.

Additionally, you can watch a live stream of the weekend Masses from Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Church Cathedral Armidale via facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SMJCathedral/) or join a live stream from St Mary's Cathedral Sydney via their webpage (https://www.stmaryscathedral.org.au/) or watch channel 7 for a live and uninterrupted broadcast.

Even though things are different this year, it’s important that we recall the events of the life of Jesus in our own way. After all, these events contain the richest and most ancient symbols of the Catholic faith such as:

The waving of palms on Palm Sunday reminds us that we are called to be followers of Jesus.
The feet washing on Holy Thursday speaks of the selfless love that we are called to practice in imitation of Jesus.
The veneration of the cross on Good Friday is a reminder, that as Christians, we believe that Jesus can overcome anything, even death.
The lighting of the Easter fire in a darkened church and the celebration of baptisms on Holy Saturday point to the new life that is available through the resurrection of Jesus.

Wishing all our families a safe and happy Easter.

An Easter Prayer

Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope.

Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal.

Grant us wisdom to know what we must do,

the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it,

the perseverance to continue to do it,

and the strength to complete it.

Amen

A message from Bishop Kennedy and Fr Abmar

Project Compassion 2020 Go Further Together

CLICK HERE for St Philomena's Moree Fundraising Page:

Students from K-10 have been given a donation box. We are asking for families to hold onto these donation boxes until school returns. Alternatively, you can click on the St Philomena's link (above) to donate directly to Caritas.

We thank you for your generous support this Lent.

Stations of the Cross

This link will take you to a virtual Stations of the Cross you may like to 'walk' through as a family.

An Examen for Life During COVID-19

(from the Jesuits)

Take a moment to settle. Take a deep breath. Get comfortable.

Like a rock settling on the bottom of a lake after it’s thrown in, let yourself settle.

1. Acknowledge how you are feeling in this moment. If being calm is hard, acknowledge it. If you find yourself frustrated or stressed, acknowledge it. God wants to be present in all parts of our lives—not just the easy or serene moments.

2. Ask for light and insight as you prepare to review your day. For some that light may come in the form of a sense of the Divine. For others it’s from a deep sense of your true self.

3. Take a moment to think about how COVID-19 has impacted your life. Even as we are being asked to distance ourselves from one another socially, ask yourself what connections you find yourself grateful for? Who makes you feel grounded and connected to God?

4. Public health issues have a way of making us recognise how interwoven our lives are with others in society. It can help us realise who we may often choose not to see or connect with. Is there a person or group of people especially affected by COVID-19 that you don’t often choose to see or connect with normally? What connections to others are you becoming more aware of? Who do you normally choose to reach out and connect to? Who do you avoid or refuse to see? If you can, picture the faces of these people. What connections do you take for granted in your life? What connections impact you the most?

5. Note the emotions you feel when you think of these individuals without judging or over analysing. Simply acknowledge them, pay attention, and listen to where God may be speaking.

6. As you think of the ways we are connected or disconnected to one another, pick a connection (or lack thereof) that seems important, significant, or is manifesting itself the strongest. Pause and reflect on where you’re being invited to grow from that moment. If you are a person of faith, take a moment to pray with it.

7. God gifted us with limitless creativity and imagination. Even in this time of separation and possible isolation, what is one way you can maintain meaningful connection to others—whether directly, through technology, or intentional focus and attention?

Take a deep breath and moment of quiet. When you are ready, return to your day.

St Philomena's School Newsletter

Issue 5 · 09 Apr 2020

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