Reconciliation is one of the Sacraments of Healing. On the June 18, 19 and 20, our sacramental candidates completed their Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Thomas More Church. Fr Pat and Fr Germano, on behalf of God, passed on forgiveness to each candidate individually, as the candidate spoke (confessed) privately, to either Fr Pat or Fr Germano, about their wrong doings. The act of confession is important because it allows us to put things right with God and to know that we have been forgiven. The sessions were very calm and graceful: each candidate presenting in a very reverent manner.

As expressed to the candidates, the starting point for reconciliation is not thinking about their own life but thinking about the words of Jesus. It is Jesus’ life and words that give meaning to our own. Therefore, it’s a good idea, before receiving the sacrament, to spend time thinking about Jesus: the kind of person he was, the things he did, and the way he treated people. It is helpful, at times, to remind ourselves of Jesus’s death and resurrection and what these events mean for us today.

Living the Resurrection

This year we were fortunate enough to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ with our students. Easter was observed and celebrated during the school holidays. It was a wonderful celebration of students observing the devastation and aftermath of Holy Week as a joyous occasion. To continue the theme of Resurrection, this term we have ‘challenged’ our community to live the Resurrection, living the risen Christ, in their daily life. When we speak of the Resurrection of Jesus, questions arise. How do we practice the resurrection? What difference does it make in you and me? How do we live this new, or raised, life? Deep...YES. Hard to comprehend….NO!

Then the 11 disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:16-20

The seed of God’s word is sown in every heart, for everyone is a child of God, made by God and made to experience communion with God and, therefore, with others in love. The risen Jesus is the Sower, and it is the breath of His spirit, the spirit of God that He welcomed so beautifully, that breathes the life of God throughout the world. Knowing this keeps alive the memory of Jesus, His words and deeds. We are all Jesus’ disciples forming the community of the church whose mission is to keep Jesus alive and for all to see - IN ALL OF US, in our words and deeds. In essence, we listen to what Jesus says, by reading His teachings and we follow what He says by lining our lives up with His teaching.

200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia

On Monday 24 May, Mrs Bennett and I took a group of students to St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral in Adelaide to celebrate Mass with our Archbishop Patrick O’Regan. More than 550 students and staff from Catholic Education SA gathered in a simultaneous celebration with schools around the country to mark 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. For the first time ever the event was livestreamed. It was a wonderful experience to participate in and a blessing to have been invited to attend.

If you have the opportunity to look back at our educational history, through the lens of Catholic Education, please click the button below:

Thank You

As we now approach the holidays, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continuous support this term, it is very much valued and appreciated. Enjoy the holidays, and a break from daily routines of school and please stay safe.

God Bless.

Linda Caldinez

APRIM