Catholic Identity
St Anne’s College
Reflection
Reflection – Sunday 6th August
The Transfiguration of The Lord
Jesus takes his most trusted disciples up a high mountain to allow them to share in what he knows is about to occur. It is a very clear teaching moment in which Jesus hopes the disciples are going to finally grasp the truth about him. As the disciples stand by, Jesus is transformed before them – suddenly bathed in light and his clothes become dazzlingly white. The disciples also see Moses and Elijah standing and talking with Jesus. Moses was the great Law-giver of Jewish tradition and Elijah the great prophet. Together, they represent the Law and the Prophets – the combined wisdom that make up the tradition of Jewish teaching and Jewish scripture. It is the Law and the Prophets that Jesus’ life and ministry brings to fulfilment. It is fitting that Moses and Elijah appear beside Jesus, as the three figures combined represent the fullness of Jewish tradition – the Law of Moses; the challenge and promise of the Prophets; and the compassion of Jesus that completes the other two.
Sadly, the disciples don’t really get the point of what they see before them. Peter, caught up in the moment, wants to build tents on the spot to mark the moment and to continue to dwell in the moment. Jesus, however, leads them back down the mountain – back into the valley; back into the reality of life; back into the tragedy that he knows lies before them. No matter how powerful a religious experience may be, Jesus shows us that we always have to return to real life. It is not possible to remain on the ‘mountaintop’ as Peter would have liked to do; we have to take the experience back into the everyday of our lives.
© Greg Sunter
Greg Sunter has worked in Catholic Education (Brisbane) for many years, most recently as a member of the Religious Education team and Mission and Formation team. He has extensive experience of praying with young people and forming others to lead prayer with young people. He is the author of books on adolescent faith, is a regular speaker at youth and evangelisation conferences, and is a retreat and reflection facilitator and presenter. His areas of interest include religious education, theology, scripture, spirituality, Catholic ethos, prayer, and ministry with young people.
- Elizabeth Holligan, Religious Education Leader
St. Anne's College Feast Day Mass
Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus.
Wednesday 26th of July saw our wider college community celebrate Mass at St Mel’s Parish Church. Jada Kennedy, one of our SOP students commenced the celebration with the Acknowledgment of Country. Fr. Peter Taylor celebrated Mass during which the Foundation to year 2 students enthusiastically led us in our Communion reflection – Right here in my heart – while photos of grandparents were displayed on screens for all to enjoy. Our year 4 students who had recently completed their Sacramental Program led the Psalms and Prayers of Intercession, while other year 3 and 4 students presented the Offertory Gifts, Gospel and Message Stick. Teachers Ivy Davidson (SOW) Stephen Kealy (SOP) and Anthony Holligan represented staff with reading, the Gospel procession and Offertory. It was a wonderful joyous celebration for the whole school community. Thanks go out to all the grandparents who helped make the day extra special for our SOW students and came back to have lunch with them after the Mass celebration.
Sacramental Program - Reconciliation
The St Mel’s Parish Sacramental Program for those wishing to prepare for their first Reconciliation will take place between September and November this year. Please contact the Parish for further information. (03) 5831 2194. More information will also be provided in our school notices later this term.