Family and Faith

We are midway into Term 4 and everyone is busier than ever! 

This week we celebrated Remembrance Day with prayers, poppies and rosemary sprigs to remind us of virtues that we admire and revere in people who keep our country safe -  courage, discipline, respect, honour and perseverance. We remember the brave people who gave their lives so that others may live in freedom. Here is an extract from an article from CathFamily on the subject of these servants of peace.   

Servants of Peace 

People in the armed forces are called in a special way to be servants of peace.

The Catechism says that those, “who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If they carry out their duty honourably, they truly contribute to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace”. (2310)

And what is peace? We know it is not merely the absence of war or the maintenance of a delicate balance between powers. Peace is a person. Christ, the Prince of Peace, is the one who gives us peace through his life, death and resurrection. We can all do something to contribute to building up peace, by working to increase love and justice in our daily lives and wherever we find ourselves. For example, we might try to live more simply ourselves so that others can simply live, by supporting the work of international development agencies such as Caritas, and we can pray for our civic leaders. Click on the link to make this beautiful symbol of peace. 

The origami paper crane is a traditional symbol of peace. Instructions on how to make them can be found with an internet search 

St Francis is well known for his commitment to poverty, simplicity and peace. During the fifth crusade, he travelled to the holy lands spending considerable time in dialogue with the Sultan of Egypt. This famous prayer first appeared during the First World War however, scholars do not believe that St Francis wrote it. It was found written on the reverse of a holy card of St. Francis by an anonymous author, hence its association with the great Saint of Peace.

The Peace Prayer of St. Francis by an anonymous Norman c. 1915 A.D.

 Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Kindy 2022 Playdates     

 This term I have the great pleasure of hosting Kindy 2022 playdates by zoom. I am  having so much fun meeting and greeting our soon to be the newest members of OLF. At the last session our theme was Superheroes and with Superhero Principal Lamarre, Superhero Assistant Principal Gordon and Superhero REC O’Brien we welcomed many kindy superheroes. This week the theme is all about food - one of my favourite topics! On my next video I’ll be making Pineapple Jelly Cups - a perfect treat for summer time.

Celebrate Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church

Did you know that the Church is open for business?

Come and celebrate Mass with Father Julian, Father Moises and Deacon Anderson (who is soon to be ordained on Friday December 3)

Saturdays: 4pm and 5.30pm

Sundays : 8am and 9.30am

For more Mass times and Church services click on the link  Our Lady of Fatima, Caringbah 

Higher School Certificate

Wishing all Year 12 students the very best of luck as they sit the HSC exams over the next few weeks. The De La Salle senior students were very grateful for the prayer packs that were organised for them by Family Educators in the shire. Thank you again to the families who emailed me beautiful prayers for individual Year 12 students. They were shared with the students by the Year 12 Coordinators at the college.

Healthy Ideas and Practical Tips for Parents

Parents may need some inspiration as we settle into a new norm of living. Need new ideas on making healthy lunches and snacks? Or information on screen time and sleep, family fitness activities and healthy living programs? Click on these links to access some great resources especially helpful for new Kindergarten 2022 parents.

Healthy Lunch Box | Cancer Council NSW

Lunch box builder – Healthy Lunch Box 

Parent & Carer Resources | South Eastern Sydney Local Health District 

Saying No to Kids

I must admit that I am enjoying the Parental Guidance reality TV show at the moment and  watching all the different parenting styles play out. As a parent of two young adults I know how hard it is to parent - especially when you need to say No and stick to it. Here is a video that promotes an ‘authoritarian’ approach to parenting with 10 tips on how to say no to your child.

A Look Back-Wendy Mogel: The Power of No-Greater Talent Network

Hoping that you enjoy special family time this weekend making happy memories with family and friends. Best wishes to all Year 12 students.

Ms Tracey Bowler | Family Educator