Faith & Wellbeing
WELLBEING
SEASONS FOR GROWTH
Seasons for Growth is an 8 week program that supports children dealing with the loss of a family member or marriage break down. Using the metaphor of the seasons - the changes that nature goes through - we introduce children to the nature of change and the effect it has on our emotional well being.
It is important for us all to embrace change. When we do this we enter into the flow of summer to winter and back again. So just as our lives go through the seasons so our hearts go through many ups and downs, but our resilience to face these challenges and bounce back is very important for success. When we resist change we stay in the emotional season, most likely the winter of regret but also the Summer of denial. Then we are less likely to be present to each other or to the events of the day.
I can't think of anything more important than the skills to be emotionally balanced and resilient to facing the challenges of life, and Seasons for Growth facilitates this.
If your child has faced a loss in the family or significant change you can let us know. After the child has had a period of 6 months since the change, we can then start them on the program.
Please get in contact if you have any questions.
cpayton@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with ashes and fasting
Ash Wednesday is a very important day in the Church Calendar, but I am only now realising its importance in my own life.
Growing up in my Catholic faith that it marks the beginning of Lent, it is a time of fasting, repentance, a time to reflect on our death, to turn away from sin and return to God.
But something else I have grown to appreciate about Ash Wednesday is the connection it has to the Scripture.
In the beginning of the bible we hear that “God formed man from the dust of the ground” (Gen 2:7)
Though we are not meant to look for scientific truth in these biblical stories, there is some science here. Scientifically we can say we came from the dust. Though it took million’s of years and millions of steps for it to happen. So it is a day when Atheistic Scientists and Catholic Scientist together agree we “are dust and to dust [we] shall return”.
What are the benefits of this reflection on dust?
Well in a previous article I spoke about the harm that entitlement plays on our mental health. Which is the demand of having a right to something and add in a lot of complaining. It produces an emotional roller coaster that plays havoc in our lives. Though standing up for our rights are important, they only take us so far.
But when we sit in dust and realise we came from dust through no effort of our own, no warrant, other than God loved us into existence, sharing his breath of life with us. We can then realise that all we have is gift. Then to have understanding rather than want to be right all the time. To forgive rather than hold a grudge. To have faith rather than doubt. To have hope rather than despair. To have joy rather than sadness. To realise that God is our light and life and will not abandon us. As along as we don’t forget that without God we are dust and with God we are his children.
This is the key to healthy mental health and it is found in all the writings and actions of the Saints. Particularly St Francis, St Catherine Sienna, St Claire. It is the key to happiness. So enjoy thinking you are dust and to dust you shall return. Do not cling too tightly to your life and all you have, because it will all be taken away one day. But God has something even better planned for us, a life without end and without tears.
Corey Payton
St James Chaplain
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Sacrament of Reconciliation
We look forward to seeing our Year 3 families for our Reflection Evening on Tuesday 28th of February at 5:30pm.
Please do not hesitate to contact either myself or your classroom teacher if you have any questions regarding the sacrament.
Important Dates
February
Tuesday 28th - Reconciliation Reflection Evening 5:30pm
March
Wednesday 29th - Sacrament of Reconciliation, 12pm in the Hall
Friday 31st - Palm Sunday Liturgy, 3:15pm
April
Monday 3rd - Holy Thursday Liturgy, 3:10pm
Wednesday 5th - Good Friday Liturgy, 3:00pm
Thursday 6th - Easter Saturday and Sunday Liturgy 12:50pm
SECONDARY ENROLMENTS
If there are any parents that require dates or a letter confirming sacraments, please email eherbert@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au and I will be able to provide that information for you.
Emma Herbert
RE Leader / Sustainability / Learning Diversity Leader
eherbert@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au
How to Sign up for Formed.org as a parishioner of Bayside Catholic Mission
For Parish Newsletters, please refer to the new Parish Website