Religious Education
Fourth Week of Lent (Week beginning Monday 28 March)
This week through Project Compassion we learn about Rosalie, who lives with her husband and seven children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forced to join the army when she was just 15-years-old, Rosalie experienced significant trauma and hardship during her years in the military. After she was demobilised from the army, Rosalie, like other ex-combatants, was left to fend for herself in the community.
With your generous support and through Caritas Australia's partners, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Caritas Bukavu, Rosalie was able to connect with other members of her community and participate in business skills training to help her to reintegrate into society.
She joined a savings group which helped her with a loan to start her own small business selling second-hand shoes and natural remedies.
“I can eat, dress, maintain my health and help others. My children study and manage to eat twice a day. I have learnt to work hand-in-hand with other members of the community. Really, there is more joy in sharing with others.” - Rosalie
Watch a short film about Rosalie’s story here.
Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au
Annunciation of the Lord
The Annunciation is when Mary received news which changed the whole world. The Angel Gabriel came to her and said, “God has especially chosen you. He has a plan and needs you for it.” Of course, Mary was scared but still said “Yes”. Take some time to reflect on this thought: You receive an SMS with the news: “Arriving Friday, 24.12, around midnight. Can someone come and pick me up? Thanks, Jesus.” What would you do?
Our Year 3 classes were able to attend Mass with Father Patrick and celebrate this solemnity.
First Holy Communion
This Saturday evening and Sunday morning our First Holy Communion candidates will be receiving ‘Jesus’ for the first time. The Eucharist is the highpoint of the journey of Christian initiation begun at Baptism. In the Eucharist we experience ever more deeply the joy and depths of our baptismal belonging. Thank you to these students’ families for guiding them on this journey, by completing their workbooks and attending masses. We are looking forward to celebrating with them, your prayers have been greatly appreciated.
Vision / Mission
St Columbkille’s staff have begun the journey of revisiting our school vision and mission. Gary Quinn, from the CEO, will be guiding us in this process which may take most of, if not all, of the year. It is a time for us to reflect on our current vision and mission and align it to our current context. There will be an opportunity for students, parents, and parishioners to be a part of this process at times. We look forward to working together as a whole community.
Kinder / Year 6 / Staff Mass
On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April our Year 6 and Kinder buddies, as well as staff, will celebrate mass as a community. Thank you to all those who have replied to the Compass alert for this event. You can still RSVP or send the purple note back to school. Morning tea and supper will need to be brought along to have after mass. The students are looking forward to celebrating with their friends and buddies.
Mrs Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator