RE News
Religious Life of the School
Last Friday Cameron, Father Paul and myself came together for the
Key Personnel Day with all the other Principals, Parish Priests and Religious Education Coordinators in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. The purpose of the day was to pray, listen, learn and plan for leading our Catholic schools. A key theme throughout the day was evangelisation.
Last week I shared with you Phase 1 of the Evangelisation process: Witness.
This week the focus is on Phase 2: Proclamation- to share the Gospel message that:
How can you share this Gospel message this week?
Prayer and Worship
Student-Led Christian Prayer
Each Friday, this term after first break, Year 6 lead classes in prayer with a focus on the Gospel for the coming Sunday.
Liturgical Season: Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Liturgical Season Colour: Green
This week the focus is on the Gospel of Luke 14: 25-33
Jesus said to the crowd, “If a man plans to build a house, he works out how much it will cost before he begins. Otherwise, he might lay the foundations, and then find that he cannot afford to finish the work. If a king’s army of ten thousand men is preparing to fight an army of twenty thousand men, would the kind not consider whether he might win or lose? If defeat is likely, then he will send out messengers to make peace with his enemy.”
Then Jesus said, “If anyone plans to follow me, then he must count the cost of being my disciple and belonging to the kingdom of God."
At home, we invite you to read the upcoming Gospel as a family and 
discuss our focus questions for the week.
Is it easy or hard to be Jesus' disciple?
Can something be difficult but still be good for you?
If following Jesus is so difficult, why would you want to do it?
What are some ways that we can show that God is our number one priority?
Celebrating Liturgy and Sacraments
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 attend one grade mass per term. Families are very welcome to join us for these masses. The upcoming masses are:
- 9.15 am Friday 6th September: Grade 3 and Grade 6
- 9.15 am Friday 13th September Grade 2 and Grade 6
- 9.15 am Friday 27th September: Foundation and Grade 5
Sacraments
Sacrament of Confirmation
Last Saturday evening we commenced our first formation session for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was lovely to see the parents and children coming together to learn about our spiritual gifts and virtues.
Please contact Father Paul if you have any questions about the Sacrament of Confirmation at:
Upcoming Confirmation Classes Year 6
5.15pm in the Learning Hub followed by Mass at 6.00pm in the Church
- Saturday 7 September
- Saturday 14 September
- Saturday 21 September
Sacrament of Confirmation
- Sunday 13 October 9am
Social Action & Justice
Action For Justice
Last Friday, Year 6 worked with Mrs McGee and Mrs Allan to make flavoured lip balms that contain only natural ingredients in sustainable packaging to sell in a pop-up stall to raise this final amount. They are busy undertaking market research, developing their packaging and marketing materials for their Pop-up shop coming to you before the end of Term 3.
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 through quotes from Saint Mary Mackillop. This week our quote is:
Evangelisation and Faith Formation
Faith Formation
Faith formation is a key part of being a part of a Catholic community. In our community we are all at different stages of our own faith journey. Has it been some time since you had the opportunity to participate in faith formation for yourself? If you would like to come together with other adults for your own formation please get in contact with me.
Melanie Stratford
Religious Education Coordinator