A Word from the Principal

Over the last month the Catholic Church has celebrated three very important events. These three celebrations are tied together and have ongoing significance for the work we do in our school.  The first important one was the Ascension.  The Ascension marks the moment Jesus “left” his earthly bonds, forty days after Easter, to return to the Father.  In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is seated at the table with his remaining disciples and he implores them to “go into all the world and proclaim the good news”. This marks the moment that the disciples move on from their fear and grief and use the strength of the memory of Jesus to complete the work Jesus had started – to spread the love and mercy of the Father to all.

Then the Church celebrated Pentecost Sunday – the birth of our Church.  This was the moment that Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to his disciples, giving them the courage and wisdom to continue His work. This was a momentous moment, the Disciples are transformed from fearful and sad followers to fearless teachers of God’s message. Such was the power of the Holy Spirit then and on Pentecost Sunday, we are reminded of this power.  Our students are taught about the Gifts that accompany the Holy Spirit – gifts of:

• Wisdom
• Understanding
• Right Judgement
• Courage
• Knowledge
• Reverence
• Wonder
• Awe

With these gifts come the fruits – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.  What do they mean for our students? Much the same I hope as they meant for the disciples. It is not about receiving these gifts and not doing anything with them – being wise and having courage mean nothing unless we act on them.  How are these gifts used to make a difference for others? How will I show kindness today? Do I choose joy over fear? How will I be generous with my time, talent or treasure? Will I show faithfulness to those who are not present? Will I choose gentleness over spitefulness?

Then the Church celebrated Trinity Sunday – when we remember the interconnection of the Father (God), his Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit, the relationship of love between the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. This plays an important part of the story – we should not forget God and focus just on the story of Jesus and His mission. Nor should we neglect the Holy Spirit – the love which dwells in all of us.  This is the moment when we realise that the elements of what we believe are interlinked and equally important. These three celebrations on our faith are opportune times to refocus our attention on matters of profound importance for those in Catholic Schools.

As a Principal I have the privilege of watching our students and staff use the gifts they have to make a difference to the world they live in.  During last week, our students embraced Language and Cultures Week – they heard students say the Our Father (the universal prayer) in different languages, they played instruments from different cultures and the tune was haunting. They played games and sang songs, ate food and dressed up.  There was Awe and Wonder in what they did, Reverence and Understanding in how they participated.  Goodness, gentleness, generosity, kindness and joy were all present as both staff and students embraced the Spirit.

Thought of the Week

Trinity Prayer – Richard Rohr, OFM

God for us, we call you Father.

God alongside us, we call you Jesus.

God within us, we call you Holy Spirit.

You are the eternal mystery that enables, enfolds, and enlivens all things,

Even us and even me.

Every name falls short of your goodness and greatness.

We can only see who you are in what is.

We ask for such perfect seeing –

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.

Amen.

Fiona Nolan

Principal