We considered the passage from Matthew 10:7-10 in which Jesus sends the disciples out to preach and heal in his name. We pondered our own mission and the ways in which we too are called by Jesus, known for the gifts we have to share and sent out to proclaim the gospel through our words and actions within our families, school and community.

Our reflection included an excerpt from Pope Francis’ message to young people:

“1. Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!

2. He is in you, he is with you and he never abandons you. However far you may wander, he is always there, the Risen One. He calls you and he waits for you to return to him and start over again. When you feel you are growing old out of sorrow, resentment fear, doubt, or failure, he will always be there to restore your strength and your hope.

3. With great affection, I address this Apostolic Exhortation to all Christian young people. It is meant to remind you of certain convictions born of our faith, and at the same time to encourage you to grow in holiness and in commitment to your personal vocation. But since it is also part of a synodal process, I am also addressing this message to the entire People of God, pastors and faithful alike, since all of us are challenged and urged to reflect both on the young and for the young.”

We concluded our liturgy with the following prayers written by Sarah Manoj, our Mission Team Leader:

1. Heavenly Father, as we are about to enter our holidays, we pray that we may experience the renewal and joy that Christ brings us. May we feel his presence in our lives, filling us with newness and hope. Let us always remember that Christ is alive and wants us to be alive in Him.

2. Lord Jesus, you are always with us, even when we wander far, As we take a break from our studies and sports, we ask for your guidance and strength. Help us to overcome our sorrows, fears, and doubts, and restore our hope and energy. May we return to you with renewed faith and trust.

3. Heavenly Father, we pray for all young people and the entire people of God. May we support each other and be inspired to fulfill our mission in life, May it be big or small. Help each one of us to create a lasting friendship wherever we may go so that we may uplift each other when we are suffering.

4. Loving Father, as Jesus sent his disciples out to preach and heal, we ask that you send us out with the same mission. May we use the grace of faith we have received to bring comfort and support to those around us.

It’s great to see some of the younger members of our Mission Team getting involved in leading prayer and liturgy.

Youth Group

We enjoyed a really successful term with new members joining our youth group and getting involved in the activities.

It is open to Catholic and non-Catholic students alike. We encourage students to come along to share kai, share their own spirituality or opinions and join in the fun of the games.

Winter Warmer Effort Term Two

Thank you so much to all who contributed warm blankets, clothing and food. The staff at the St Vincent de Paul shop were delighted with the school’s contribution to the needs of those who are struggling at this time. You have made a difference in the lives of others and shown our young people how important it is to bring our faith to life as solidarity is one of the Catholic Social Teachings.

Youth Mass

We were delighted to see so many of our young people at the mass on Saturday night; particular hightlights were the music led by the combined St Patrick’s and John Paul II choirs, Sarah Manoj leading the singing of the psalm and two of our Year 9 students, Tessa and Tasja, having the confidence to proclaim the Word of God.

The Sacramental Programme

The sacramental programme has begun and, so far, we have completed the lessons related to Baptism and one related to First Holy Communion. We will continue with these lessons next term with a focus on Confirmation. It is great to have a large group of students learning more about the sacraments with the potential for many of them to receive the sacraments in the full school mass on 15 August alongside students from St Patrick’s and other members of the community.

All of our families are invited, of course, and it will be a wonderful celebration led by Bishop Michael and Father Mathew. We will also commission or re-comission student Eucharistic Ministers for service during our school masses.

We are grateful to Fr Mathew who has been coming into the school to lead many of the lessons.

There will be one parent meeting to go over the practicalities and to answer any questions that families may have. That meeting will take place on 25 July from 6pm until 7pm. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about any of this: joanie.roberson@johnpaul.ac.nz

We will hold the students in the sacramental programme and their families in our prayers as they continue this very special and important journey.

Revolution Camp

We farewelled our students attending this faith-based youth camp in Christchurch today, including three senior students who are going as leaders. We are impressed by Sarah Manoj, Ella Fitzmaurice and Pyper Murphy for volunteering to be small group leaders. It is young people like these girls whose peer to peer ministry makes all the difference in the lives of the younger members of our school community.

It is a joy to us to learn that our parish has sent the largest number of young people to this camp in the diocese. The Holy Spirit is moving in our school and amongst our beautiful young people in so many different ways.

Catholic Secondary Youth Ministry International (CSYMI)

Renee Hutchinson and Joanie Roberson are attending a two-day workshop in Christchurch with staff from other Catholic schools in the diocese on Monday and Tuesday of next week, to create a road-map for this programme which is being piloted in those schools who have chosen to get on board. We will be returning from this meeting with further information about faith formation for staff and students in our school.

We continue to pray for all of our students and their families as we break for a time of refreshment and rest. May God bless you all.

Open Magazine Panui - John Paul II High School, Term 2 Week 10

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