Education in Faith
Sacrament of Confirmation
Congratulations to all our Confirmation candidates. It was a very special night for all. A special thanks to Bishop Les Tomlinson and Father Dispin, and all the students and families for their participation.
Confirmation was a magical night. Confirmation was an incredible night. Confirmation is something that only happens once in your life, and mine was amazing. I clambered out of the car (careful not to disrupt my hair) and glided towards the front of the church. My parents and godparents insisted on taking about a hundred million photos in front of the church, and then I ran off to greet my friends. Every single one of them was wearing fancy and stylish clothes that looked amazing on them and I thought it was really interesting to see the different outfits. We all went inside, found our seats and then headed to the back of the church where we lit our baptism candles and walked down the aisle and back up to the altar. The mass began, and almost immediately afterwards was being called up to do the second reading. I raised the microphone to my mouth and began talking. It was extremely nerve-wracking to talk to the entire audience, but I made it through alive and well. The rest of the mass went by pretty quickly.
Amelia
On the night of Confirmation, before I even got there I was excited and very nervous, but I knew it would be over soon. I was getting prepared for Confirmation, I was so nervous and I told myself “I will do JUST fine.” When I arrived at St John's, I was so excited and nervous but a couple of minutes later we were seated then all the “Candidates” were sent to the back to bring in a lit candle. After that, we were seated and the Bishop did his stuff, and we stood up a couple of times. Then at the end, the candidates started going up, 1 by 1. I was so nervous but it wasn’t that bad. We celebrated at McDonald's.
Raffi
Confirmation was on Thursday 18th. We all lined up in the foyer to get our candles lit, the candles flickered and wax dripped down our hands as we walked slowly down the aisle. We placed our candles on a table and sat next to our sponsors to listen to other students do readings and the bishop read his homily. Finally, it was time to get confirmed and receive the holy spirit. We knelt in front of the Bishop and he used a cotton bud to draw a cross on our foreheads. He said our Saint names and confirmed us into the church with the Sacrament of Confirmation
Sofia
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Congratulations to many of our Year 3 students who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.
Asher:
We made the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the 11th of November 2021. First, Father Dispin explained the meaning of Reconciliation. Then he told us a story called the 'Forgiving Father'. I learned that everyone misses the mark sometimes. I felt like I had been forgiven by God for missing the mark at times in my life.
Natalia:
I loved making my First Reconciliation. I am so glad we got to do it in person! Father Dispin told us the story of the 'Forgiving Father' and its meaning. He also told us about 'missing the mark'. I felt like I was really part of God's family!
William C:
Last Thursday, as a year level we completed the sacrament of Reconciliation. Due to Covid restrictions, parents couldn't come. During the sacrament, Father Dispin taught us about missing the mark, which is about making a mistake and asking God for forgiveness.
While I celebrated First Reconciliation I felt full of the Holy Spirit. At the end, those who participated got presented with their certificate.
Lucy B:
Last Thursday all the Year 3s gathered to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Father Dispin taught me about missing the mark and how you do something wrong but God forgives you. I felt like I was really part of the Catholic community.
William B:
Last Thursday, aka 8 days ago, all the year 3s went to the community centre to celebrate First Reconciliation. Father Dispin told us that sometimes we miss the mark. For those of you who don't know what missing the mark is it is basically doing something wrong or making a mistake. During the mass, I felt reflective over some actions I have done in the past.
Flynn:
When Reconciliation happened I felt happy because I was part of the Catholic community. Father Dispin explained that even if you miss the mark, you can say sorry, forgive, reconcile and not give up. He also told the story of the 'Forgiving Father' and we said the 'Prayer of Sorrow'. When we got our certificate, I felt happy and excited because I had made my Sacrament of Reconciliation and I was proud to be a Catholic!
Dates
Sunday 5th December Prep Welcome Mass SJM 9.45 am
Thursday 9th December Whole School Thanksgiving Mass SJM 7 pm
Parish - Information and Mass times
Monica De Leo
Religious Education Leader