RE NEWS
Religion News: Thursday the 1st of August 2024
Sacrament of Confirmation
Last Sunday Jikaya and Inara celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Congratulations to you and your families. Thank you to Mia and Shekinah for Altar Serving; you were flawless. It is always a bit different when it is a Sacrament. Thank you also to our children who formed the choir on Sunday, Noah, Makaysha and Karsharna. You helped to make this a special celebration for Inara and Jikaya.
Feast of St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop – Thursday the 8th of August.
Due to our participation at the Eisteddfod next Thursday we will celebrate the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop the following Thursday with a whole school Mass at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Church.
St. Mary of the Cross was an ordinary person who did extra ordinary things to become Australia’s first and only Saint.
Mary was born in Victoria to Scottish immigrants. She was the eldest of eight children and spent her early years working to support her family. At the age of 24 she dedicated her life to God and took on the name “Mary of the Cross”.
Along with Fr Julian Tenison Woods, Mary opened a school in a disused stable in Penola, South Australia. Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children. Many other women came to join her there, and Mary and Julian founded Australia’s first religious order: The Sisters of St Joseph.
Mary and the Sisters were committed to serving the poor – to going to where the need was and living amongst those in need. This took Mary all over Australia to many rural areas.
Mary faced fierce opposition throughout her life, which at one point culminated in her being excommunicated. In the face of trial, Mary was a model of forgiveness, insisting no ill be spoken of those who wronged her, while also remaining resolute in her convictions.
Mary was remarkable as a strong female leader in 19th century Australia. Education in this country is what it is today thanks to her dedication and determination.
Our School, St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School was started by the Sisters of St. Joseph so we have a special connection to St. Mary of the Cross.
St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop made the statement: “We are but travellers here, so while we are here we should do as much good as we can and live in peace with each other.”
Kind regards,
Sue Benc