Religious Education News
Sixth Sunday of Easter
The Sixth Sunday of Easter, celebrated this weekend, focuses on the theme of peace, particularly God's peace for all people. This peace is emphasized in the Gospel reading, John 14:23-29, where Jesus leaves peace as his farewell and tells the disciples the Holy Spirit will soon come and teach them everything and remind them of Jesus' words.
In today’s world, where we witness the pain of war, the plight of refugees, the wounds of injustice, and the loneliness of many, we must respond with the heart of Christ. Let us be peacemakers in our homes, schools, communities, and workplaces. Let us advocate for the dignity of every human life, care for creation, and stand in solidarity with the poor and the oppressed.
Peace begins in prayer. It is nurtured in families. It grows in communities committed to mercy and reconciliation. And it is sustained when we act courageously for the common good.
Let us echo the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love…”
Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This special day is celebrated annually on May 31. In 2025, it will fall on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
The Visitation commemorates the event described in Luke 1:39–56, when Mary, newly pregnant with Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Upon Mary's greeting, Elizabeth’s child leapt in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42).
This feast highlights:
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Mary’s humility and charity, as she travels to support Elizabeth.
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The recognition of Jesus as Lord, even before His birth.
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The Magnificat, Mary’s powerful song of praise, which reflects God’s mercy, justice, and favor for the lowly.
Monday May 26th marks the anniversary of National Sorry Day, a day when we pause to remember the Stolen Generations of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It leads us into National Reconciliation Week which is held each year between 27th May and 3rd June.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is “Bridging Now To Next.” Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. For the Catholic Church in Australia, this week offers us a time to be fully the Church that God dreams for us – a Church in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make their own unique contribution and that contribution is joyfully received by others.
St Columbkille’s will recognise this event on Monday 26th May with a whole school prayer and liturgy in the Monsignor Downey Hall at 9.15am. A huge thank you to our Year 4 staff and students for organising and leading this celebration.
Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal
Our Mini Vinnies group are in the process of finding out what items of food and clothing are needed for our local Corrimal community. This term our St Vincent de Paul focus is the “Winter Appeal” where students/families donate goods. More information will be forthcoming.
Parish / Grade Masses
Just a reminder that parents, grandparents and friends are invited to celebrate Mass with grades each Friday at noon.
Friday 23rd May - Year 5
Friday 30th May - Year 4
Friday 6th June - Year 3
Friday 20th June - Year 6
Friday 27th June - Year 5
Friday 4th July - Year 4
Have a wonderful fortnight!
Mrs Joanne Herring
Religious Education Coordinator