RENews

Catholic Education Week (13 March-20 March) 

Prayer of Thanks

Loving God, 

We thank you for our Catholic school communities in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. 

We pray that we may walk ‘the way of the gospel’ together, as we accompany each other in our learning this year. 

May the Holy Spirit guide us and give us new eyes, new ears and open hearts, helping us to bring your love to all we encounter. 

Mary, mother of the living gospel, pray for us.

 We ask this prayer through Jesus our Lord and teacher, 

Amen.

A Celebration of Harmony and Education in our School

On Monday we celebrated both Harmony week and Catholic Education Week. Gathering as a whole school in the outdoors was a very special time for students and school staff alike. It provided the perfect basis for conversation in our community, around the things that unite us, as well as the things that make us unique. Creating this whole school gathering session helped us to truly reflect upon the foundations of our school, highlight our Catholic identity, and instil a sense of community amongst our students and staff. We belong to the St Raphael's Catholic Primary school in Preston West.

Throughout the past week, each homeroom explored one of the school's pillars and Gospel value of ACCEPTANCE. As a homeroom group, students explored; What does acceptance look like? How it can be demonstrated and actioned in everyday life?

 What makes 'you' who you are and a part of the St Raphael’s community? 

Newly Confirmed

Last Saturday afternoon on the Solemnity of St Joseph (feast day) thirty-one St Raphael students and five Parish members received the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a sacred time and a beautiful occasion for all present. We would like to thank the students and their families. Also, to all the staff in particular the year 5/6 teachers for their commitment in journeying alongside the children preparing and instructing them in their faith formation. A special thank you is extended to Auxiliary Bishop Terry Curtin for presiding over this important sacramental celebration and to Fr Simon Grainger, our Parish Priest. 

To the newly confirmed we pray to the Lord that in receiving the gift of the Spirit, 

that you give witness to Christ and that your lives are built and strengthened in faith and love.

Congratulations; Rebecca Beninati, Lucas Butera, Marc Capetola, Luca Carbone, Natasha Carbone, Daniel Christoff, Mattia Codini, Angelica Collins, Madison Di Martino, Sierra D’Intino, Odessa D’Lasselle, Nathan Drazic, Arabella Fonua, Ruby Gauci, Gabriella Gaggiano, Charlie Gray, Elijah Green, Pierce Hanley, Sloane Hanley, Elysia Homsey, Ella Lamanna, Sienna Leader, Siena Mancini, Nicholas Mennillo, Marcel Mortellaro, Nevah O’Connor , Bianca Perri, Alessia Perrotta, Erika Puccio, Luke Sauro, Orlando Talarico, Monique Colosimo, Lulu Napolitano, Claudia Patsalas, Julian Patsalas, Katia Angela Scarfo.

Pray for Peace, Pray for the people of Ukraine

After eight years, the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine has escalated into a full-blown war, threatening to become Europe’s biggest refugee crisis since World War II.  

Caritas Australia is supporting Caritas Ukraine and its local partners who are currently on the ground providing displaced families with emergency food, water, shelter and psychological support. Now in its fourth week, the conflict continues to force enormous numbers of people from their homes - nearly a quarter of the total population have either fled to a neighbouring country or to safer regions in Ukraine.  

As a community, we pray for all people of Ukraine who are facing an uncertain future. May they look to God in their trials and difficulties with hope and trust for a peaceful future.