Religious Education News
Stay Safe and Well
These past few weeks have been challenging times for our school, our children, our families, our staff and our communities. Please keep each other in your prayers and take time to ‘check in’ on friends, family and neighbours as much as viably possible during this difficult time. Sometimes a ‘check in’ phone call may be the key to brighten someone’s day. Please be mindful of all members of your families and be sources of support and care for each other.
PRAY at Home - Mass Online
In light of the developments and the regulations imposed on community gatherings, our Archdiocese have ‘Daily Mass’ available online. Please visit https://www.catholicvoice.org.au/mass-online/
to connect. Other mass resources available are:
- Daily Mass - Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
- Daily Mass on Demand - CathNews YouTube Channel
- Mass for You at Home (Channel 10 - aired 6am each Sunday)
Holy Week
The time you spend on your Holy Week preparations will make Easter Sunday more meaningful for the whole family!
The week beginning with Palm Sunday and ending at sundown on Easter has been a sacred time because it commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here are some faith-filled ideas to help you keep the holy in Holy Week.
Palm Sunday
Begin your celebration of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem at Mass by holding your palms high as the priest blesses them. Then continue the celebration at home.
- Put a small statue of Jesus in the centre of your dinner table.
- Use palm branches and have your own triumphal procession to the dinner table.
Talk about it: Over dinner, talk about how Jesus is the centre of our lives and our faith. How do we feel when we make Jesus the centre of our lives?
Holy Week Preparation Days - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
- Clean the house: Think of spring housekeeping as a prayerful preparation for Easter in the same way that Jewish families clean in preparation for Passover.
- A white flower: The white flower heralds the resurrection of Jesus. Let your children pick out one for your family and one for someone who needs to hear “good news.”
- Colour eggs: Decorated eggs are a symbol of new life that comes with the Resurrection. Make it more meaningful by helping your children write “Christ is Risen,” “Alleluia” or “Jesus loves us” on the eggs in crayon before colouring them.
Holy Thursday
This day recalls the Last Supper when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. It reminds us that we are called to serve one another. Here are some ideas for celebrating the day
• Help someone: Do something special for someone in need.
• Share a family meal: Be sure to read one of the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper.
Talk about it: The Eucharist is the central sacrament in our Catholic faith. Talk about our Catholic belief that we receive the real presence of the risen Jesus in Holy Communion.
Good Friday
This day commemorates the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. It is the most solemn and sorrowful day of the Church calendar.
• Set aside some prayerful family time between 12 noon and 3 p.m.
• Encourage family members to imitate Jesus by forgiving someone who has hurt them.
Talk about it: It is OK to feel sad on Good Friday. Jesus’ death on the cross is a sacrifice like no other; he died to teach us about everlasting life. Talk about friends and family who may have died and how we believe that, because of Jesus, we hope to rise to new life in heaven.
Holy Saturday
This day commemorates the time of darkness and waiting when Jesus was in the tomb. It is also a day for final preparations before Easter.
• On Holy Saturday, gather the family for a celebration meal. Perhaps a BBQ or family meal. If possible, a fire pit with toasted marshmallows would be great to symbolise ‘fire’.
Talk about it: The Easter Vigil begins with the symbol of fire. Talk about how fire represents that Jesus is the light of the world. He brings light to the darkness and new life to a sleeping world.
Easter Sunday
Celebrate the risen Lord. This is a time for prayer of thanks for the risen Lord. It is a time to share with your family. It is a time for new life symbols (Easter Eggs).
Holy Week Resources for Family Prayer at Home
- Holy Week at Home -- The End of Lent
- Holy Week at Home -- Holy Thursday
- Holy Week at Home -- Good Friday
- Holy Week at Home -- Easter Sunday
Prayer
In this challenging time Lord Jesus Christ,
Be merciful to us and bring us your aid in these troubled times. Heal all our sickness and every affliction of your people.
We place in your gentle Heart the elderly, the frail, people with disability, children, young people and families, our indigenous peoples, those who are poor, lonely and isolated.
As you walk with us, free them from fear, and give them patience and hope together with our loving care.
We place our trust in you, the risen Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.
Thought of the Week
Wishing everybody a wonderful holiday, stay safe.
God bless,
Donna Wade