Religious Education
Marylene Douglas
All students attending St Louis de Montfort's Aspendale have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.
Wow, God's ears must be burning with all the discussions, prayers and reflections based around Him at St Louis' this week.
It all started on Monday when many of our Year 3 families attended a Reconciliation Sacramental Night where our guest presenter, Father Elio Capra entertained parents all whilst eplaining God's great gift of forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We all reflected, and often laughed, at the many stories he relayed. He even brought his 'Jesus Soap on a rope' to teach us about 'washing away our sins'.
Father Elio explained the 4 step process involved in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and reiterated that it is basically the same process when we ask for forgiveness in any situation.
Tuesday had the whole school celebrating the Feast of St Mary of the Cross, Mary MacKillop. Year 5GT and 5CP prepared a lovely mass for the parish whilst the rest of the school celebrated a liturgy with their classes. In his homily, Father Ignaitus described St Mary's ministry in 6 Ps: Passion – her deep Passion for God; Possibility – she believes in Possibilities, looking among those who are suffering, facing injustice, and struggling. Practical Action – She works on it, get her hands dirty and journey with those who are struggling. Partnership – She embrace Partnership with others to achieve helping others. She Persevered – she faced misunderstanding, persecution from within the Church. And lastly, Prayer – Her perseverance comes from her prayers, her deep relationship with Jesus. We also celebrated our Parish Feast Day with a Sushi Lunch.
Wednesday was a jam packed day for our Year 6 students who participated in their Confirmation Reflection Day by visiting the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, The Mary Glowrey Museum, having a guided tour of St Patrick's Cathedral by the very knowledgable Signor Antonio and attending lunchtime mass at the Cathedral where we got a special mention! We were amazed to hear the story of Dr Mary Glowrey and her devotion to God by ministering to the poorest of the poor in India. One of the very first female doctors, who was also a nun, left her family, friends and all the comforts of life in Australia in the 1920's to help those living in sickness and poverty in India. Sadly, she never returned to Australia and died of cancer in her 60's however she continued to do all that she could to help those in need till her very last breath.
Thursday saw our Year 3's begin the day with their Reconciliation Journey Mass. It was lovely to see so many parents attend this mass and support their child's faith journey. Following Mass, students were engaged in activities focused on Reconciliation. They explored the story of Zacchaeus and gained a deeper understanding of God's forgiving love and mercy. They also decorated candles for their reconciliation and explored the Reconciliation process. To end the day, students shared a slice of pizza and the leftover biscuits from morning tea.
On Friday-God Rested! (and so did I)