On Monday, Father Paul joined us for morning assembly to bless the statues of St Joseph and infant Jesus that I purchased for the school when I was visiting the Vatican in July. Each class now has a statue of our Patron Saint for their prayer tables.

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: Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Liturgical Season Colour: Green

This week the focus is on the Gospel: Luke 23:35-43

The soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, and above him hung a sign which said: “This is the King of the Jews.” A crowd had gathered to watch, and they laughed and made fun of him saying, “If you are so great, save yourself now!”

At the same time, two thieves were crucified with Jesus, one on either side. One of the thieves jeered, “You call yourself a king! If you had any power, you could save yourself and us as well!” But the other thief said, “Leave him alone. We deserve to be punished, but he has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, do not forget me in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “Today we will be together in heaven.”

At home, we invite you to read the upcoming Gospel as a family and discuss our focus question for the week.

1. How would you describe a king to someone?
2. Who in the Gospel reading believed the sign that was on Jesus' cross?
3. What did Jesus say would happen to him?

Lord Jesus, you come to share the good news

of God’s Kingdom with the whole world.

May your love reign in our hearts always.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Celebrating Liturgy and Sacraments

Social Action & Justice

As Advent approaches, we think about how we will prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus? At St Joseph’s this week, we started a 25 Days of Kindness calendar. The acts of kindness for Week 6 are:

 

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Next week, students will bring home information about donations for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal. Donations of Christmas food can be brought in from week 7.

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.

Evangelisation and Faith Formation

Faith Formation

St Joseph’s Parish has begun its annual Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

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.

Come and experience the joy Christmas at this year's Live Nativity Play and Carols.

The Christmas Carol sing-along starts at 6pm, then live camels and manger animals join local talent to reenact the events of the very first Christmas.

Entry is free and all are welcome to attend.

A wonderful night for the whole family.

6pm

Friday 13 December

St Joseph's Primary School Grounds

The Live Nativity is proudly bought to you by the Neo-Catechumenal Communities of Canberra.

Yours in Christ,

Melanie Stratford

Religious Education Coordinator

melanie.stratford@cg.catholic.edu.au