Religious Dimension

Welcome to Week 3 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 13: 24-43

This week's Sunday Gospel included teaching from the parable about the weeds amongst the wheat.  The analogy of a farmer being surprised to find both wheat and darnel growing in the same field was frustrating in the first instance. A servant asked the farmer if he should just rip this weed out from amongst the wheat immediately. The farmer explained to the servant the need to wait because he did not want the good crop of wheat to be ripped with the weeds, so they had to wait until harvest. During Father Dispin's homily, he reminded us to be patient and to wait for what is to come in our own lives. People change and will grow to their full potential to become what God had planned for them, given time, love and nurturing. Perfection is a deterrent to this process. Today, let us give thanks that the word of God can be shared in a current context and pray that we are all reminded of our calling to enable growth in each other.

Year 6 Confirmation Retreat Day

Last Friday, we had a sensational and engaging day for all of our Year 6 students who are currently  preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. After rehearsal and displaying all of our student's banners in our church, our day continued with Gen Bryant and her band, singing uplifting Christian music and leading our students through prayer and gratitude for what Confirmation means to us as Catholics today. 

As they day progressed, our neighbouring students from Our Lady's in Ringwood and St. James in Vermont joined us and participated in a variety of activities to help them reflect and find meaning as they encountered the Holy Spirit through modern art, imaginative prayer, scripture and  listening to talks and personal testimonies. 

Our Confirmation Retreat day was a privilege as we witnessed a team of dedicated teachers from our combined parishes, including Trish Chaston and Bert Benne, coming together to assist our student's faith to grow. We smiled as we witnessed new friendships being formed and the message that we are not alone in our faith journey.   

It was wonderful having Bishop Les Tomlinson share the meaning of Confirmation and what to expect at Confirmation ceremony. He explained how the celebration has changed over the years. Matt, an past teacher from Our Lady's in Ringwood, also shared the importance of our Saints and how they all had a significant story and moral purpose. Their God given gifts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, working through them to help others, was and in a different context, but is still relevant today.  Our students have chosen their saint's names and will continue to research the story of their lives and work on their projects in the lead up to Confirmation.

Year 2 Level Mass on Sunday July 23

Many thanks to our Year 1/2 team who came together to be a part of our Community mass this Sunday. Angus, Charlotte, Annabelle, Abriel, Elizabeth and Zoe were brave and read well in front of our congregation. Many other students, staff, parents attended as well and it is always lovely to see many familiar faces. It is sometimes tricky for our parents to come to mass when there are sporting commitments over the weekend as well, but it is worth the time spent together when we do.

Social Justice: St Vincent's Winter Appeal 

Thanks to all of our families who assisted with providing non-perishable items for our hampers this year.  We had over 6 full baskets which have been sorted and given to help our community.  This year the strain on many families has been greater than ever so every contribution helps. Our Social justice leaders Monique, Maheeysha and Madie were intrigued with the amount of food supplies available to our communtiy when they assisted Ross Hancock with delivering the baskets to our parish. It is always satisfying to see how our community works together to help others.

Important Dates:

Prayers for peace, love and hope for all our families.

Melinda Buscema (Deputy/REL)

mbuscema@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au