Religious Dimension
Our Gospel Challenge this week is to: pray to God each day.
Welcome to the 2020 school year. We gathered last Thursday to mark the beginning of a new journey, a journey made new not only by the beginning of this new school year, but made new by the presence we bring to it, a journey that God has chosen us to share. We welcome our new families and new staff and pray that they find friendship, warmth and a real sense of belonging.
Our word this year is “Belong” and it is our hope that all members of our community feel that they belong and have a connection to both the school and the parish. Let us be aware of all that unites us, while at the same time, honouring the diversity among us. Let us pray that we will support and strengthen each other, as companions on a journey towards a common purpose that will unite us and empower us, for the good of all God’s people.
While exploring the theme of belonging students listened to and reflected on John’s Gospel teaching of Jesus’ one commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.’ Pope Francis recently spoke about belonging to a faith community, loving one another and said that “to be part of a Christian community is to belong to a group of believers who shun selfishness and give witness to God's love by loving and caring for one another. While modern society places more importance on "one's own interests regardless of or even to the detriment of others," true Christians "ban individualism in order to encourage sharing and solidarity."
Founders Day Mass
This Sunday morning we will be celebrating Founders Day and the opening of the 2020 school year. Traditionally this was held on a Friday with both schools getting together but the decision to celebrate it on a Sunday allowed families to attend and also parishioners. Our school captains interviewed Tricia Spencer and they will share her story with us during the mass. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate founding members of our parish and the vibrant parish community that we belong to, here at St John's. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
School Diary and Reading Records
Every student at St John’s receives a Reading Record (Prep - Year Two) or School Diary (Year Three - Year Six) which serves three purposes:
It is a tool to assist your child with his/her organisation of school work and/or home reading.
It provides a mechanism of communication between school and home.
It is a resource to assist you in developing your child’s Catholic faith.
I encourage you to check out its content. The diary and reading record are full of links to www.cathfamily.org with downloadable resources for Catholic parents and families.
Have a wonderful week,
Monica
Important Dates to Remember
February
Sunday 9 Founder’s Day Mass 11.15am
Sunday 23 Parish Family Mass 9:45am
Tuesday 25 Burning of Palms Ceremony 9:15am
Wednesday 26 Ash Wednesday Mass 10am
Reconciliation and Eucharist Enrolment for 2020
If you believe your child is ready to celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist this year, please call the Parish office on the number below to make a time to meet with Maree and to collect an enrolment form. Remember this needs to be done before Friday 14 February as enrolments close and forms are due back then.
If you have any concerns or questions please don't hesitate to call or email Maree on 9401 6366 or Maree.OKeefe@cam.org.au