Religious Education
Sacraments
For the children who are currently enrolled in our Sacramental Program, the Sacraments are still postponed at this stage but we do endeavour to continue with them as soon as we can. I hope that by the start of Term 3 we will have something in place or at least a further update for you all. Thank you for your patience.
Mass
Due to the restrictions regarding COVID -19 all Mass and Liturgies for the near future will be cancelled.
Prayer focus for August
Pope Francis prayer intentions for August is for The Maritime World
We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families. Amen
In Re we are learning about Parables I hope this helps at home:From Simplybible. com
What does ' parable' mean?
Definition of “Parable”
A “parable” is an illustrative story, by which a familiar idea is cast beside an unfamiliar idea in such a way that the comparison helps people to better understand and grasp the unfamiliar idea. A simple story is told, certain features of which are analogous or parallel to the points or principles one wishes to drive home. For example, a blind man tried to guide another blind man, and they both fell into the ditch. This illustrates that while a man leaves his own shortcomings uncorrected, he cannot help others to correct theirs (cf Luke 6:39ff).
The word “parable” comes from the Greek word παραβολη (parabolee). In the Greek para means beside, and ballo means to cast or throw. So parable, in a very basic sense, means to cast beside. The word “parable”, in its more developed sense, still retains that underlying meaning.
How is a Parable Interpreted?
Jesus was an artist in the telling of parables. He painted vivid word pictures to dramatise his teachings. Jesus told his parables in such a way that they were easy to visualise, and thus to remember.
Understanding a Parable.
It's important to understand that in a parable there are certain features that carry the moral or point. Other details are there simply to make the story vivid, memorable, and complete in the mind's eye of the hearer. We should interpret the parables according to the simple principles they are meant to teach. Jesus himself sets us a pattern for interpretation, when he interprets certain of his parables in this simple manner.
As Jesus explains the parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46) he makes a point about the value of the kingdom of God compared to earthly wealth. The pearl stands for the kingdom of Heaven, and all the merchant's possessions —which he sold to gain the pearl— represent earthly wealth.
The point of this parable is that gaining the kingdom of Heaven is worth sacrificing any amount of worldly possessions should that be necessary. We would be distracted from that point if we tried to find some significance in the fact that the merchant sought fine pearls rather than fine rubies or fine diamonds.