Religious Dimensions

Caitlan Taig

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of two sacraments of healing (the other being the Anointing of the Sick). Reconciliation is a sacrament of forgiveness and celebrates God’s love and mercy towards us. It is about acknowledging and naming those times when we know we have done wrong, and then making peace and restoring the relationships, with those who have been affected by our poor choices and with our God.

We congratulate the following students for participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time this week:

Luke P

Ben P

Xavier M

Christian M

Jack S

Max W-S

Oliver W

Ivan R

Zoe H

Josefina T

Abbey M

Oliver M

Jess G

Robbie N

Louisa K

Nathan V

Alfie W

Alex B

Lucas K

Harper M

Zarah S

Lachlan R

Kara Mc

Kitty P

James S

Cruz W

Joselyn L-R

Dolores M

Mitchell W

Sara C P

Ethan J

Alessio C

Lent

Each week of Lent, the students have explored a different story from Caritas Australia about the work they have undertaken to make a difference in people’s lives. These stories will be incorporated into our weekly Lenten Prayer Services. 

 

Fourth Week of Lent  

(Week beginning Monday 28th March)

This week through Project Compassion we learn about Rosalie, who lives with her husband and seven children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forced to join the army when she was just 15-years-old, Rosalie experienced significant trauma and hardship during her years in the military. After she was demobilised from the army, Rosalie, like other ex-combatants, was left to fend for herself in the community. 

 

With your generous support and through Caritas Australia's partners, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Caritas Bukavu, Rosalie was able to connect with other members of her community and participate in business skills training to help her to reintegrate into society.

 

She joined a savings group which helped her with a loan to start her own small business selling second-hand shoes and natural remedies. 

 

“I can eat, dress, maintain my health and help others. My children study and manage to eat twice a day. I have learnt to work hand-in-hand with other members of the community. Really, there is more joy in sharing with others.” - Rosalie

 

Fifth Week of Lent

(Week beginning Monday 4th April)

 

This week through Project Compassion we learn about Shaniella who is attending a vocational school in the Solomon Islands supported by Caritas Australia Solomon Islands (CASI).

 

Not long after Shaniella started, the school was hit by a landslide, flooding, and a cyclone, all in quick succession. 

 

With your kind support, CASI helped install water tanks, restoring clean water access to nearby schools, health centres and the wider community. Training was held in agricultural skills to help boost the school community’s food security, as well as in environmental risk management and emergency responses.

 

Now, Shaniella can complete her skills training, with enough water and food to eat, and improved sanitation. She is improving her ability to earn an income, learning skills which will expand her job opportunities. Students are also better prepared to respond when disaster strikes. 

Holy Week

Holy Week begins on Sunday 10th April. This week includes Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. It marks a special time in our church leading up to the resurrection of Jesus.

 

Palm Sunday

On this day, we recount the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey. Many people placed palms and cloaks on the ground to pave his way. Palm Sunday has a bitter-sweet tone. On the one hand the story is upbeat with the crowd joyfully proclaiming Christ as the long promised Messiah, yet by the end of the week, Jesus is crucified.

 

Holy Thursday

On this day, we recount how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples before the Last Supper. At the Last Supper, Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples, asking them to think of Him. He knew he was about to be betrayed and condemned to death.

 

Good Friday

Good Friday marks the day God’s Son, Jesus, was crucified.  It was on this day that Jesus was beaten and tortured because he claimed to be the son of God.  A crown of thorns was thrust upon his head. Then, he was forced to carry his own cross to the on top of a hill, where he was nailed to the cross.

 

Holy Saturday

This is the day in between Good Friday and Easter. This day marks Jesus body being placed in the tomb.

 

Easter Sunday

This day is all about the resurrection of Jesus. We celebrate Easter to remember the great sacrifice that Jesus made for us in order to save us. Easter Sunday helps us to remember that Jesus came back from the dead. Although he is not physically among us, He is still present in our hearts.

It is because Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday that Christians call Sunday, “The Day of the Lord” and is the day of the week dedicated to worship.

https://cathfamily.org/holy-week-explained/

 

Caitlan Taig

Religious Education Leader