Religious Education and Social Justice
Anzac Day
Each year on 25th April, ANZAC Day, we remember and commemorate the contribution of all Australian service men and women who have served our country in times of war and peace, and for the many who have given their lives.
On 25th April 1915, just as the sun was rising, soldiers from Australia and New Zealand landed at Gallipoli in Turkey. During the battle that occurred there, thousands of soldiers were killed or injured.
Since that time Australia and New Zealand have remembered that very sad day on what we now call ANZAC Day. We remember with thanksgiving, those who made the supreme sacrifice for us in that time of war. We pray that the offering of their lives may not have been in vain. Today we dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom and peace; and for the wisdom and strength to build a better world.
Prayer for ANZAC Day
We pray for all men and women
who fought for peace and freedom.
May our country, Australia, always remain strong and free.
We pray for peace and freedom all over the world.
We pray for all the innocent victims
whose lives have been shattered by war.
We pray for all the organisations
who work to help those who have returned from war.
Amen
The Ode of Remembrance
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Sunday Mass Activities for Children
Last week I introduced a new section in the newsletter relating to the Sunday Gospel Readings. We have subscribed to CathFamily, a website that focuses on the Sunday Gospel readings. I encourage you to take some time with your children to visit the website and continue to follow the story of the Easter Season. Our teachers are providing Religious Education lessons but in this time of our Continuous Learning Program (Remote and Flexible Learning) our Religious Education time is reduced somewhat and this is an excellent way to explore the Sunday Gospel while we are unable to attend Mass.
By clicking on the link below you will be taken to the CathFamily website. Each week children will be able to watch a short video telling The Word or Gospel story. After watching the video you can further explore the Gospel by clicking on the following tabs located on the main screen:
- The Word: video of the Gospel story
- Look Closer: this section briefly explores the Gospel reading in child friendly language
- Ponder: some questions to ponder or wonder about related to the Gospel and our lives
- Respond: an activity is provided to further give children the opportunity to reflect on the Gospel of the week
- Pray: a short prayer service for families to participate in.
This week's Sunday Gospel is about what happened as Jesus met the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. So please click on the link below to begin exploring the story:
https://cathfamily.org/cathkids-e3-a/
I look forward to hearing some feedback from families about their experience of using the website.
Sunday Mass Resources for Families
The Bishops Conference is supporting the prayer life of Catholics who are unable to attend Mass. Dioceses and other Catholic organisations are also providing material and access to livestreaming of Masses.
Catholics are encouraged to utilise the resources below to support your prayer life and especially to allow you to continue to keep Sunday as a day when prayer is prominent. Many Catholic organisations have been supportive in their provision of access to material that is sometimes only available via subscription. The Conference thanks St Paul's Publications in particular for allowing the reproduction of its Scripture reflections.
Sunday Readings and Liturgical Resources
MASSES ONLINE
Daily Mass on Demand -- CathNews YouTube Channel
Daily Mass -- Archdiocese of Melbourne
Mass for You at Home (Channel 10 -- aired 6am each Sunday)
As we continue to keep in our prayers all those who have been effected by COVID-19 let us also pray for the families, friends and colleagues of the four police officers who so tragically lost their lives in the line of duty last week.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
Jane Wilkinson
Religious Education Leader