RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
In our Church tradition.... Sacramental Program Information / Parish Mass / Pathways for Families to becoming Catholic
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM FOR THOSE INVOLVED: As your children prepare to receive Confirmation and Eucharist next term, we invite them to attend at least three weekend Masses between May 17/18 and July 26 to prepare for the Sacramental Program, which will start this weekend. It provides an opportunity for children to prepare and learn about Liturgical Solemnity.
Father Joseph would be pleased to greet your child. Please greet Father Joseph as you arrive for Mass or after Mass. He also would like to introduce you to the congregation. Please be informed that he may do so following the final prayer.
Dates for the Sacrament of Confirmation:
- Commitment Mass: Saturday 26 July, St Philip’s Kotara @ 5:00PM (Winter)
- Mass attendance: at least 3 weekends before 26th July (see above)
- Online lessons: complete at home during 28 July – 4 August
- Face to face lessons: take place at schools
- St Columba’s Adamstown: Monday 4 August @ 3:30PM
- Retreat Day: Friday 15th August at Kotara (during the school day)
- Ceremony: Thursday 21st August @ 6:30pm, St Philip’s Kotara
CLASS MASS: Please see dates below for Class Mass for Term 2. Parents are very welcome to attend. Children will be participating in readings and the offertory during these Masses.
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Date and Time: 9:30am |
Class Attending |
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Tuesday 24th June |
Year 1 |
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Tuesday 1st July |
Kinder and Year 6 |
WEEKEND MASS TIMES FOR ST COLUMBA’S: It is always lovely for children and their families to attend Mass in our Parish. Currently Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 8:00am.
PATHWAY FOR FAMILIES: BECOMING CATHOLIC
Resources for Evangelisation and Guidance in a Sacramental Journey for Families
We are pleased to offer valuable resources to support families (adults and children) in their evangelisation and sacramental journey:
- Hearing God’s Call – An audio introduction to the Catholic faith: https://www.evangeliseplus.com.au/hearing-gods-call
- Becoming Catholic – A website with explanatory articles on Christian faith, prayer, and what it means to be Catholic: https://www.becoming.catholic.au/s/
For more information on adults engaged or interested in RCIA - Pathway to becoming Catholic, please contact Amie Harry (Religious Education Coordinator) or our Parish All Saint's Blackbutt South.
The RCIA Program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the Catholic Church’s process for welcoming adults into the faith through learning, spiritual formation, and receiving the sacraments. It typically culminates at Easter, when participants are baptised (if needed), confirmed, and receive the Eucharist.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (02) 4954 0977
In our Community.... SVDP Winter Appeal – PJ and Hot Chocolate Day!
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Date |
Event |
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Week 10 – Friday 4th July
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PJ’s, Movie and Hot Chocolate Day for St Vincent De Paul! |
ST VINCENT DE PAUL WINTER APPEAL: To help those who are disadvantaged and in need of extra assistance this winter, we are asking for donations to the St Columba’s Primary School Winter Appeal throughout Term 2. Again, this year we are asking for warm winter blankets in new condition and warm beanies, suitable for babies, children and adults. All donations will be distributed in June by our St Columba’s Adamstown conference of the St Vincent de Paul to support local families, couples and singles this winter. The Student Mercy Group will also be working on a special PJ and hot chocolate day to be held in Week 10 on Friday 4th July to raise extra money for this worthy cause. Details to come!
In our Curriculum.... Module in Focus: Year 3
This term in Religious Education, students in Year 3 have been exploring the idea of story — their own, others’, and the great Christian story found in the Bible. They have been learning about the Bible as a sacred text that reveals who God is and how He relates to people, with a special focus on stories from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). Students have also been introduced to praying with Scripture, particularly through the practice of Lectio Divina, as a way to reflect on God’s Word and deepen their relationship with Him.
In this lesson, Year 3 identified and reflected on the different ways we show our faith in God.
Building Faith Together: Conversations for Parents and Kids
A new addition to RE News, this section provides conversation starters to help parents engage with their child’s Religious Education and deepen their understanding together.
- Question: What’s one story from the Bible you enjoyed learning about recently?
Possible Prompt: Ask your child why that story stood out to them and what they learned about God through it.
- Question: Have you tried Lectio Divina at school? What was it like?
Possible Prompt: Lectio Divina is a quiet, prayerful way of reading the Bible. It involves slowly reading a short passage, thinking about what it means, talking to God about it, and sitting quietly to listen. Ask your child what passage they read and how it made them feel. You might even try it together as a family.
Year 2 Students Shine in Liturgical Movement Video for Butterfly Music
We are thrilled to share that our Year 2 students were recently filmed by the Communications Team from the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, performing a beautiful liturgical movement to the song “My Blessing Falls On You” by Drew Lane and Andrew Chinn. This video will be featured on the Butterfly Music website as a resource for schools, and it was a true privilege to be part of this inspiring project. Our students should feel incredibly proud of their reverent and joyful participation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Diocese’s Comms Team, Andrew Chinn, and Drew Lane for providing this wonderful opportunity.
“My Blessing Falls On You” by Drew Lane and Andrew Chinn © 2021, Butterfly Music.
Video Link: My Blessing Falls on You: Year 2
Have a lovely week and may God bless you always,
Amie Harry and Emma McCulloch
Religious Education Coordinators