RE NEWS
Religion News: Thursday 18th of April
We are now in the Season of Easter. It began on Easter Sunday and is the high point of the Church Calendar, remembering Jesus’ death and Resurrection. It is a Season extending for 50 days. Traditionally, it was a time for Baptisms to be celebrated. The Season of Easter lasts until Pentecost which is on Sunday the 19th of May.
Pascal Candle
During the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night the priest carries the candle in procession into the dark church. A new fire, symbolizing our eternal life in Christ, is kindled which lights the candle. The candle, representing Christ himself, is blessed by the priest who then inscribes in it a cross, the first letters and last of the Greek alphabet, (Alpha and Omega `the beginning and the end') and the current year, as he chants traditional prayers, then affixes the five grains of incense.
The Easter candle is lit each day during Mass throughout the Paschal season until The Ascension of the Lord on Sunday May 12th 2024.
The Paschal candle represents Christ, the Light of the World.
The pure beeswax of which the candle is made represents the sinless Christ who was formed in the womb of His Mother. The wick signifies His humanity, the flame, His Divine Nature, both soul and body.
Five grains of incense inserted into the candle in the form of a cross recall the aromatic spices with which His Sacred Body was prepared for the tomb, and of the five wounds in His hands, feet, and side.
Term Two Focus
During Term Two our Religious Education Focus will be “We all have a story to tell.” As families we have many stories to tell about our origins, our traditions, our religion, our culture, our adventures and holidays.
Students will explore these stories, as well as the story of the Catholic faith and how our stories add to the beautiful diverse quilt that makes up our community of St. Mary’s.
Andrew Chinn Concert: On Tuesday the 22nd of April, Australian religious songwriter and singer, Andrew Chinn, will be visiting our school to share his songs with our children. Andrew’s songs, such as “These Hands”, “Rainbow”, “An African Blessing” and “Rise Up!” are used in classrooms and liturgies around Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. The concert will take place in the Mary Mackillop Hall, at 2:00pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
On May the 19th we will celebrate a special Sacrament of First Holy Communion when two of our students will receive communion for the first time. We will celebrate this special event with the Parish.
First School Mass for Term Two:
Thursday 2nd of May at 10:00 am at St Mary’s Catholic Church. Everyone is invited and welcome.
Kind Regards
Sue Benc
