Catholic Character
The fifty days of the Easter Season continue in our churches as we continue to hear about the various resurrection narratives in the gospels. During karakia at the beginning of this week we considered the Road to Emmaus story (Luke 24:13-35). In this story we witness the powerful encounter of two disciples with the risen Jesus which serves as a reminder of the transformative power of encountering Christ in our everyday lives.
As a school we reflected that as the disciples walked along, they were filled with sadness and confusion over the recent events of Jesus’ crucifixion. They were so full of their grief that they did not recognize Jesus when he joined them on their journey. Despite this, Jesus accompanied the disciples on their journey, he explained who he was and how his death and resurrection fulfilled all of the scriptures.
Their understanding later when they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread is important. Please God we also recognise Jesus in the breaking of the bread at mass, understanding that he is truly present in the bread and wine.
What is also really special is the disciples’ reflection on how they felt when Jesus accompanied them and shared with them on the road. They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us as he spoke to us on the road?”
Let’s pray today that we too will encounter Jesus in our own lives through the mass and liturgy, through one another, through special moments and people in our lives, and through natural beauties, music, or art. When we do encounter Christ may our hearts burn with the fire of his Holy Spirit deep within us.
A prayer for us in this wild weather:
Let us remember that we are forever in the presence of our loving God.
As we begin this meeting let us take a few moments to listen to the voice of the Spirit in the wind and rain, moving over this space and enveloping us in the love song that is his voice constantly speaking in our hearts.
Let us take a moment to bask in the awe and wonder that this storm brings and to remember that Jesus always accompanies us and is particularly close in the storms of our lives.
Let us take a moment to hold in prayer those for whom the storm is frightening and destructive, whose hearts and minds are anxious this night.
Let us take a moment to hold in prayer all of the members of our parish community.
May our meeting unite our hearts and minds in making decisions that place Christ ever more surely at the centre of our lives and our ministry.
Amen.
Revolution and Antioch
The Revolution (Years 7-9) and Antioch (Years 9-13) event dates are out and they are as follows:
Revolution: 5-7 July
Antioch: 27-29 September
Catholic School Gathering Dates:
Combined schools mass - 7 May
Social Justice Day - 10 May
Youth Group
The youth group have begun their meetings for the year on Thursdays from 3:15 until 5pm in the school library. We meet for faith sharing, fun and food and it’s a great way for students to really connect with their faith and one another in a safe, positive, fun environment. We always welcome new members and we are especially excited to welcome our new Year 9 students into the group. Yesterday those present planned some exciting activities for next term so we look forward to lots of opportunities to encounter Christ in this relaxed space next term.
Sacramental Programme
The Sacramental Programme will begin next term and we have quite a group of students and families who are interested in being involved. If you are interested or have any questions regarding this programme, please feel free to contact Joanie Roberson on joanie.roberson@johnpaul.ac.nz.
Mission Team
Special thanks to our mission team for all of their amazing work this term and particular thanks to the Special Character Leader, Sarah Manoj, who heads the Mission Team.
We pray that all of our families have a safe and refreshing break together. May God bless you all.