We reflected on the importance of using our gifts and talents in the service of God, ourselves and others.

We considered how each person is given unique gifts from God and the importance of developing and using them. The gospel we shared, which was last Sunday’s gospel, reminded us that we can lose those gifts and talents if we don’t use them just as we can lose a skill if we never use it.

We concluded karakia on Monday with Nicole Pangilinan leading us in the following prayers:

Loving God,

We thank you for all that you have given us, for all that is good in our lives and for all the things that we can do. We know that all of it is your gift to us and we praise you for all that you have shared with us.

Lord, hear us.

R: Lord, hear our prayer.

Jesus, our friend,

You are always present to support us and to help us to feel safe and at peace in you. May we always know the peace that you can give and help others to draw closer to you and come into your peaceful, supportive presence.

Lord, hear us.

R: Lord, hear our prayer.

Spirit of life, truth and hope,

You are our inspiration and God’s life in us. Fill us with the courage to share our gifts and talents with others in order to serve you well. May we inspire others to share all that they have within them too so that, together, we will build up your Kingdom here at JPII.

Lord, hear us.

R: Lord, hear our prayer.

Thanksgiving Mass

We continue to work on the preparations for the Thanksgiving Mass which is on 7 December at 6pm. We are looking forward to a very special occasion and to celebrating with our community at St Patrick’s Church as well as farewelling our Year 13 students.

Prayer for students sitting exams

We continue to hold those students with remaining exams in prayer and included here again is a prayer that students might like to pray before an exam.

Lord, thank you that you are with me right now

Your love surpasses all fear I give you the anxiety I feel I surrender all my worries to you

Clear my mind

Calm my heart

Still my Spirit Relax my being

That I may always glorify you In everything I write, speak and do.

Author unknown

Staff Professional Development

We have been looking as a staff at what success looks like in a Catholic school and considering the models provided by the Marist and Mercy orders, what Pope Francis and Pope Benedict before him said about Catholic Education, looking at quotations from our National Catholic Education documents and deepening our understanding of what it means to be called to mission in a Catholic School.

The Director of Catholic Character also attended a gathering of staff from Catholic secondary schools, diocesan youth ministry team members and diocesan educational leaders, at the invitation of Bishop Michael, which looked at a particular diocesan-wide initiative to engage young people in their faith through parish and school connections. It was an interesting gathering and it was really heartening to see the passion and enthusiasm of all present to support and encourage the faith formation of staff and students of our Catholic schools across the diocese. We, at John Paul II, are committed to providing opportunities for our young people to encounter the person of Jesus Christ and/or deepen their relationship with him.

We continue to pray for all of our families. May God bless you all.

Kia ora koutou,