Catholic Character

Together, as a school we began the term by reflecting on the things and people with whom we shared our break and for who we were and are grateful. Philippians 4:4-7 was the scripture passage which formed the basis of our prayer and it reads:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It was lovely to see the students and staff sharing what they were grateful for and many of them were grateful for family, friends and a time to rest over the holidays. Some were also grateful for faith in their lives and a God who loves them. This was beautiful to witness.

We concluded our Karakia as a school on Monday with the following prayers:

Jesus you came into the world to be like us and to offer us your friendship. We thank you for your love and care for us and your desire to be our friend. Help us to draw closer to you so that we might be good friends of yours.
Lord hear us.

God our creator,
You give us all that is good, beautiful and true. We are grateful for the gifts of your creation and the beauty that lifts our spirits. May we be good guardians of all that you have given us; our natural environment and the people with whom we share your creation.
Lord hear us.

Spirit of life,
You breathe your life into us that we might live in you. Fill us with your truth so that we might share your life with others, inviting everyone into the joy of your presence.
Lord hear us.

My prayer for you today is that you will all know the deep inner peace that only Christ can bring into our lives.

Antioch

At the beginning of the holidays, we were delighted that an enthusiastic group of young people attended the Antioch camp in Christchurch. Antioch is a Catholic camp for young people in Years 9-13. It was a wonderful experience for those who attended and we would really encourage more young people to take advantage of that opportunity in 2024. There was a really good mix of prayer, liturgy, praise and worship, adoration, reconciliation and fun games and activities including an Amazing Race type of competition.

See the photos below for the group who attended with Ivory (the youth worker for the parish) and Joanie Roberson (Director of Catholic Character at John Paul II):

Youth Group

The youth group began their meetings for the term this Thursday and we discussed the presence of Christ in our lives and our call to develop our relationship with him as well as having lots of fun together as you can see from the game which generated lots of laughter, pictured below:

Jubilate 2023 West Coast Concert

We have a small but positive group of students from JPII involved in Jubilate this year and we encourage others to get involved in this joyous occasion. Also, below is the invitation to all members of our community to come along and enjoy the evening. See the details below which is a message that has been put out to parishes as well.

Our West Coast parishes and schools are coming together to conclude the Jubilate2023 series. You are invited to come and support our young singers. Join in fervent singing of hymns and enjoy our feature choirs. A good opportunity to invite your friends in the local community to your church. Our Catholic schools in Greymouth and Hokitika are joining together for this concert. “When?” Thursday 26 October at 7pm. “Where?” St Patrick’s Church, Greymouth. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Ken Joblin, Sacred Music Advisor, Christchurch Diocese

Retreats

The Year 9 and 10 students will have their annual retreat on Thursday 19 October and the Year 11 and 12 students will have theirs on Friday 20 October. The retreats will take place at the St John ambulance centre.

We are delighted that the NET team, who have been working in conjunction with the Catholic Youth Team for the Christchurch Diocese throughout this year, are coming across to lead the retreats as we believe that youth-to-youth ministry is a really important way to provide our students with a different means of encountering the person of Jesus Christ in their lives. The retreats will be a mixture of fun, sharing and discussion times. There will also be prayer and reflection during the day. The NET team will bring a real vitality to the days which will really engage our students which we saw in their leadership during the Antioch camp. Letters providing further details about the retreats will be sent out to the families and caregivers of the students in Years 9-12 on Monday.

The Year 13 retreat will take place separately in week four and further details will be sent out to families about that one next week.

We pray that all of our families are safe and well and enjoying the spring weather. 

May God bless you all.