Religious Dimension
Sacraments
Relationships grow through communication. Communication is more than just words. We also communicate with gestures such as handshakes, hugs, gifts, cards and flowers. In our relationship with God, we too can connect with him through words and also through gestures. But how does God communicate with us? In the same way really: in words and gestures. There are the scriptures which are God’s words to us and there are sacraments which are gestures of God’s love. The church has named and formally recognised seven sacraments as the powerful ways God reaches out to connect with his people here and now.
Pope John Paul ll said that a sacrament made visible the invisible mystery of God. The sacraments are visible signs that God’s presence is real and is among us. They are signs that God loves us. Each of the seven sacraments of the church emphasises a different dimension or our relationship with our loving God.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated this Thursday 11 November during the
school day, due to COVID restrictions, with most of our Year Three students. Students have been exploring the sacrament during Religious Education lessons. Students spoke to me last week about the Sacrament of Reconciliation being a healing sacrament. One in which things are made better, through forgiveness and that people feel happier.
Confirmation
We will be celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation this year on Saturday 20 November
at 12:00pm. We have been able to reschedule the Confirmation Reflection Day to Monday 15 November. Gen Bryant and her music ministry team will be facilitating the day. The first session will be about Living with Spirit and the second session will be Celebrating with Spirit. Emeritus Bishop Les Tomlinson will come to meet the students and will be the celebrant at the Confirmation celebration. Students may wear free dress on Reflection Day and arrive at school at the usual time.
Let's keep all students and families celebrating sacraments in the next few weeks in our prayers.
Parish Masses
Daily Mass:
Tuesday - Friday
10:00am Full Vaccination with proof of status
Weekend Masses: 13 & 14 November: (bookings only)
Saturday 6:00pm, Sunday 8:30am, 9:45am, 11:15am
Full Vaccination with proof of status
150 Attendees / Online booking (see Parish website!)
Sunday 5.00pm
Unknown vaccination status or single dose vaccination or unvaccinated
20 Attendees / Online booking (see Parish website!)
How to book: Visit the parish website www.stjohnsmitcham.com.au or phone 9401 6366 or 0402 330 128.
Fr Dispin will still be recording mass for families to view at home. This is made available every Saturday on the website.
Monica O'Shannassy
moshannassy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au