Education in Faith
ST JAMES THE GREATER
Feast Day - Sunday 25th July
As we prepare to celebrate the Feast Day of St James this coming Sunday, let us take time to reflect on who he was and why so special!
Nothing is known of St. James the Greater's early life, though it has been established that he is the son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of John the disciple.
The title "the Greater" was added to St. James' name to help distinguish him from the Apostle James "the Less," who is believed to have been shorter than James "the Greater."
Saint James the Greater was one of Jesus' first disciples. James was fishing with his father and John the Apostle when Jesus came to the shores of the Sea of Galilee and called for the fisherman, who were unable to catch any fish that day, to dip their nets in the water once again.
When the fishermen followed Jesus' instructions, they found their nets full, and after emptying the fish on board, the boats nearly sank from their weight.
Later, James was one of only three called by Jesus to witness his Transfiguration, and when he and his brother wanted to call fire upon a Samaritan town, both were rebuked by Jesus.
Following Christ's Ascension, James spread the Gospel across Israel and the Roman kingdom as well. He traveled and spread the Word for nearly forty years in Spain.
It is said that one day, as he prayed, The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him and asked him to build her a church, which he did.
Later, James returned to Jerusalem but was martyred for his faith by King Herod, who decapitated him. Saint James the Greater is known as the first apostle to die.
As he was not allowed to be buried following his martyrdom, his remains were taken to Compostela, Spain, by some of his followers, who buried him.
In the ninth century his remains were discovered and moved to a tomb in Santiago de Compostela. Today, his remains can still be found in the Cathedral of Santiago.
Because Santiago de Compostela is the most frequently visited place pilgrims migrate to following Rome and Jerusalem, Pope Leo declared it a shrine.
Perhaps you could pray the St James School Prayer together as a family...
Loving God,
We thank you for our community of St James
We thank you for our Parish of St John’s
Be with us, as together
We seek the Spirit,
Learn to love,
Love to learn,
And live life to the full,
Caring for each other and
Caring for our environment
St James the Apostle
Pray for us
St John the Evangelist
Pray for us
MARY MACKILLOP
Feast Day - Sunday 8th August
Below you will find information from the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre in Melbourne. They have upcoming events, a video, and details about their shop which may be helpful for those parents looking for special religious gifts for Sacramental celebrations ... and more!
Parish - Information and Mass times
Please click on the St John's Parish link below for the latest news regarding Masses during this current lockdown.
Monica De Leo