RE News
Religious Life of the School
Last week I shared with you the 3rd Phase of the Evangelisation process: Conversion- a change of heart to a complete and sincere adherence to Christ and his Gospel through faith.
We know we have experienced conversion (a change of Heart) when we engage in:
- Prayer- Top priority for a disciple; each day quiet time alone with God
- Scripture: Listening to The Word; The Holy Spirit brings word alive for us
- The Eucharist; we are nourished and the fire of love is stoked in our hearts
- Community- Grow in holiness within community relationships
- The Sacramental life of the Church- We are the body of Christ
The next phase in the Evangelisation Process is: Making Disciples. Making Disciples is at the centre of our 2019 focus scripture- The Commissioning of Disciples (Matthew 28: 16-20). Making Disciples involves two parts:
Prayer and Worship
Student Led Christian Prayer
Each Friday after first break Year 6 lead classes in prayer with a focus on the Gospel for the coming Sunday.
Liturgical Season: Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Liturgical Season Colour: Green
This week the focus is on the Gospel: Luke 16:1-9
Jesus said, “When people are honest about the small things in life, then they will be honest about more important things too. If you cannot be trusted with something as unimportant as money, how can you be trusted with the most precious treasure of all?”
- Catechesis (Religious Instruction)
- Incorporation in the Church (Community)
At St Joseph’s, the students receive Catechesis and Incorporation in the Church on a daily basis. While preparing for Sacraments students also receive Catechesis and incorporation into the Church through our Parish-based Sacramental programs. For adults Catechesis for those who have not received the Sacraments is available through the RCIA (Rite of Chrisitan Initiation for Adults) program. See more information in the Formation section about the RCIA Program available through St Joseph’s Parish.
Where do you see yourself in your faith journey?
At home we invite you to read the upcoming Gospel as a family and discuss our focus questions for the week.
- If you saw someone drop a $20 note without noticing what would you do?
- What are some actions that you can do that will show that you put God first in your life?
Celebrating Liturgy and Sacraments
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
This week invitations to our Grandparents and Special Friends has gone home with each student. We look forward to celebrating with you on Thursday 24 October from 9:00-11:30am. Guests can attend all or some of the events.
The timetable for the morning will be:
9:00 - 9:15: Guests gather in the School Hall.
9:15 - 9:45: Prayer Celebration led by Foundation.
9:45 - 10:00: Cuppa in hall for guests.
10:00 - 11:00: Activities in Classrooms.
11:00 - 11:30: Outdoor picnic with students and guests.
We hope you are able to be a part of our Christ-Centred Community for this special occasion.
Upcoming Class Masses
This year we have been working to strengthen our connection with our Parish. One way we have been achieving this is for classes to one grade mass per Term. Families are very welcome to join us for these masses. The upcoming masses are:
- 15am Friday 20th September Grade 6
- 15am Friday 27th September: Foundation and Grade 5
Sacraments
Sacrament of Confirmation
Last Saturday evening we continued our formation sessions for the Sacrament of Confirmation in The Hub. It was lovely to see the parents and children coming together to learn about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how these relate to virtues.
Please contact Father Paul if you have any questions about the Sacrament of Confirmation at: paul_nulley@hotmail.com
Upcoming Confirmation Classes Year 6
5.15pm in the Learning Hub followed by Mass at 6.00pm in the Church
- Saturday 21 September
Sacrament of Confirmation
- Sunday 13 October 9am
Social Action & Justice
Action For Justice
Year 6 are busy undertaking market research, developing their packaging and marketing materials for their Lip balm Pop-up shop. Due to the preparations for our upcoming musical our Pop-up shop will commence in Term 4.
Religious Identity and Culture
Ethos and Charism
Our strategic priority to deepen our St Joseph’s identity means to deepen our understanding of our Josephite Charism. We can learn much about our Josephite Charism though quotes from Saint Mary Mackillop. As we head into a busy last week of Term 3, the quote for this week is:
Evangelisation and Faith Formation
Faith Formation
St Joseph’s Parish will begin its annual Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) journey this October.
If you are curious about God or the Catholic Church, were baptised as a child but did not receive Eucharist or Confirmation, visit the parish one Sunday and speak to Fr Paul.
If you have questions about the RCIA process, please email Alwyn Dantis on alwyndantis@yahoo.com or ring 0467 243 363.
Melanie Stratford
Religious Education Coordinator