RE & Wellbeing

 

November begins with the celebration of ‘All Saints Day’ on Sunday and ‘All Souls Day’ on Monday. Although ‘All Saints Day’ is no longer kept as a Holy Day of Obligation many still hold those days sacred as we remember the saints of every age who pray for us in heaven, and the following day as we remember all our loved ones who have died and for whom we pray.

Many families have their doubts about celebrating Halloween. For some, the practice of trick-or-treating is seen as yet another invasion by American culture. For others, the association with pagan ritual is viewed as inappropriate and even dangerous for children.

In fact, Halloween has deep Christian roots, dating back to the eighth century, when Pope Gregory III established All Hallows (known to Catholics as ‘All Saints Day’) on November 1st. This was to be a day to honour all the saints who died with or without Church recognition. ‘All Souls Day’ follows on November 2nd and is a time in which we pray for all the dead, including our own special friends and family.

Unfortunately, Halloween also coincides with a pagan festival honouring the god of the dead where customs intended to appease evil spirits, avoid hauntings and foretell the future are common. These customs and other occult practices can confuse children and should be discouraged.

We pray for all our past St Joseph’s students as they prepare to commence their Yr 12 exams. It has been a particularly challenging time for these students as they have navigated their learning and preparation during the pandemic. We also include children of staff; Ella Stutterd, Sean Kelliher, Luke Botterill and Ellie Buckley in our prayers.

At All Hallows, we celebrate…

Our heavenly family – Those men and women of virtue and faith who lead lives of holiness, courage and generosity and are now saints in heaven. Their heroic lives inspire us and provide excellent role models for our children. Some families like to pray the ‘Litany of the Saints’, calling on favourite saints to “pray for us”.

Our deceased family member(s) – This is a good time to recall fond memories of our loved ones, go through old photo albums, visit their grave sites, and of course, pray for them. Children enjoy lighting candles and saying prayers for loved ones.

Our living family –

 We shy away from talking about death, but really, death is the surest reality of our lives. This feast reminds us to reflect on our priorities and make the most of every opportunity to express our love and affection for those close to us. Use this time to affirm a saintly quality or virtue that you see in each family member.

Ready, Set, Go

This is a series of lessons that have been set up for children to view as they are unable to attend Sunday Mass. 

It relates to the gospel of the coming weekend. The one below is for 'All Saints Day' and offers a prayer celebration. It includes an explanation of the day, gospel reading, singing, activity and reflection on the reading.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53gW4Avuqmc

This is available each week for the coming weekend gospel. Enjoy. 

Wellbeing

Thank you for the truly beautiful hearts that have been completed and returned. The children have been able to share their positives and a challenge they experienced during difficult times. Thank you for taking the time to chat with your child so that they could identify what they could be grateful for and the strength and resilience they found to keep pushing through.

We are still waiting for more hearts to be returned. Keep sending them in.