RENews

Beginning of the Year Whole School Mass

We would like to extend a big thank you to all the parents and members of the St Raphael community that came along to help us celebrate the beginning of school year Mass. It was wonderful to gather together and celebrate the Blessing of the Candles and the Feast of the Presentation of Lord. We gathered together again after six weeks where we last celebrated the birth of Jesus. As we gathered we were asked to be aware of all that unites us, to honour the diversity among us and to support and strengthen each other, as companions on a journey working towards a common vision and purpose for the good of all God’s people. Each school candle was blessed, each teacher was blessed and commissioned to engage in the teaching ministry of Jesus. The students were given a special gift, a set of Rosary beads from Fr Simon. We thank everyone involved for making the occassion a special one.

Why pray the Rosary?

At heart, the Rosary is a Christ-centred prayer, in which we sit with Mary and contemplate Jesus. Through the rhythmic meditation of the Rosary, we are led to reflect on the events of his life.

Mary is the model of how to love Jesus. She lived her life with her eyes fixed on him. By reflecting on how she loved her son, we can learn how we also can love him and know him.

Praying the Rosary is a wonderful way to communicate with our spiritual parents – our Heavenly Father and our mother Mary. When we pray the Rosary, we are calling on our spiritual parents to comfort, guide and inspire us. So when family relationships get tense, the Rosary is a powerful way to unite with our heavenly family.

Simple ways to pray the Rosary with Kids

The Rosary need not be boring if you bring some creativity to your prayer.

Try these ideas to engage your children in saying and understanding the Rosary.

Ask your child to take out the Rosary beads given to them by Fr Simon or encourage them to make sets for other relatives and friends. (one small decade is enough with a cross symbol at the end)
Create a sense of reverence and mystery when you pray as a family, by lighting candles or dimming the lights.
Use visual props, such as pictures of scenes from Jesus’ life, icons or images.
Have some members of the family lead the prayers, saying only the first half of each of the prayers, with the other members saying the second part.
Integrate the Rosary into your everyday life – say it together in the car or just before bed or at a certain time when all the family are together.
Don’t just race through the prayers, think about the words. The Hail Mary is based on the words spoken to Mary by the Archangel Gabriel and her cousin Elizabeth. These words express the wonder of heaven on earth – God becomes human in Jesus. Ponder the name of Jesus when you say this prayer.

The Rosary is a traditional prayer recited by many generations.

Belonging to the St Raphael's Community

As Religious Education Leader I look forward to continuing my work this year, to ensure that we at St Raphael provide an engaging religious education for all the children. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Fr Simon, our Principal Mr Damian Howard, staff, children and families to build upon our Catholic identity.

Throughout the year there are many events and celebrations scheduled. Please refer to the school calendar for special Feast Days and Sacraments. Level Mass will occur once a term for each level. All are most welcome to come and join us in these special celebrations.

Welcome School/Parish Mass/Initiation & Commitment Mass for all students receiving a Sacrament in 2019.

Sun 24th Feb, Mass will begin at 10.30am. We require all students receiving a Sacrament this year to be present at this celebration. A BBQ & Community Event will follow Mass. We look forward to seeing you all.

Mass Times St Raphael Parish

WEEKEND MASS TIMES

Saturday: 6:00 pm

Sunday: 9:00 am (Italian) . 10:30 am

WEEKDAY MASS TIMES

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8:30 am

Sat 9:00 am