Religious Dimension

Sunday's Gospel reading -  Luke 14:25 - 33

How often do we hear the phrase when we are amongst friends or family that, "Each of us have our own cross to bear". As followers of Jesus Christ we know that just as he faced many hardships, we are also not immune to the challenges and struggles in our own lives and in fact, it is inevitable.  What makes a difference is how we carry our cross. To get through those hard times we must have hope and love in our hearts, reaching out to support others who need it also.  Today we pray for all those who  require extra support during difficult times and ask God to give us the wisdom we need, to help others, using our actions and words. May we grow stronger in our relationship with God and each other and build our empathy and understanding of others.

NCEC - National Catholic Education Conference 2022

This week, Verona and I are fortunate enough to attend the National Catholic Education Conference held in Melbourne's Convention Centre. Today we listened to several guest speakers about the history and importance of our Catholic schools in this data driven world.  Our day began with beautiful music and prayer from St Clare's Primary school in the suburb of Officer. Our first speakers challenged our thinking about the future of catholic schools, with Father Anthony Gittins from Chicago USA and a student, Madeline Forde, inspiring us with why Catholic Schools are so important.  Madeline had so much experience with those who have been marginalized in our world due to race, gender, status or disability.  Both shared that our Catholic Schools are the Sacrament of Hope for transformation and growth in our students. Through the sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and First Eucharist, we know that our students grow or change, because of this special encounter with Christ. Our Catholic teachers are being asked to listen to our students, to be in dialogue with them, to create a sacred place to pray, to invite student voice and to recontextualise scripture from the bible. This will ensure that a constant message of hope is delivered and that Jesus message will be forever relevant, today and into the future.  

 

Have a lovely week ahead everyone.

 

Melinda Buscema (Deputy and RE Leader)