Year at a Glance 2017 JANUARY
M T W T F S S 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
MAY
M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
JUNE
M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SEPEMBER
M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
MARCH
FEBRUARY
OCTOBER
M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
JULY
M T W T F S S 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
NOVEMBER
M T W T F S S 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
APRIL
M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
AUGUST
M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
DECEMBER
M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Australian Public & School Holidays 2017 National Holidays (all States) 1 Jan New Year’s Day 26 Jan Australia Day 14 Apr Good Friday 17 Apr Easter Monday 25 Apr ANZAC Day holiday 12 Jun Queen’s Birthday(ex.WA&QLD) 25 Dec Christmas Day 26 Dec Boxing Day Australian Capital Territory
13 Mar 2 Oct Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4
Canberra Day Labour Day 27 Jan - 7 Apr 26 Apr - 30 Jun 17 Jul - 22 Sep 9 Oct - 15 Dec
New South Wales 2 Oct Labour Day Term 1 27 Jan Term 2 24 Apr Term 3 17 Jul Term 4 9 Oct -
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7 Apr 30 Jun 22 Sep 19 Dec
Northern Territory 2 May May Day 7 Aug Picnic Day Term 1 25 Jan Term 2 18 Apr Term 3 24 Jul Term 4 9 Oct Queensland 16 Aug 1 May Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4
7 Apr 23 Jun 29 Sep 15 Dec
Royal Queensland Show Day Labour Day 23 Jan - 31 Mar 18 Apr - 23 Jun 10 Jul - 15 Sep 3 Oct - 8 Dec
South Australia 13 Mar Adelaide Cup Day 2 Oct Labour Day 26 Dec Proclamation Day Term 1 30 Jan - 13 Apr Term 2 1 May - 7 Jul Term 3 24 Jul - 29 Sep Term 4 16 Oct - 15 Dec
Tasmania 13 Mar 6 Nov Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4
Eight Hours Day Recreation Day (North only) 8 Feb - 13 Apr 1 May - 7 Jul 24 Jul - 29 Sep 16 Oct - 21 Dec
Victoria 13 Mar 7 Nov Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4
Labour Day Melbourne Cup (Melb. only) 30 Jan - 31 Mar 18 Apr - 30 Jun 17 Jul - 22 Sep 9 Oct - 22 Dec
Western Australia 6 Mar Labour Day 5 Jun Western Australia Day 2 Oct Queen’s Birthday Term 1 1 Feb - 7 Apr Term 2 24 Apr - 30 Jun Term 3 17 Jul - 22 Sep Term 4 9 Oct - 14 Dec
Australian Catholic Church Feasts and Events 2017 Year A Jan 1 Jan 8 Jan 9 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 17 Mar 25 Apr 9 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 16 May 24 May 25 Jun 4 Jun 11 Jun 15 Aug 8 Aug 15 Sep 8 Nov 1 Nov 2 Nov 26
Su Su Mo Tu We Fr Sa Su Th Fr Sa Su We Th Su Su Th Tu Tu Fr We Th Su
Mary, Mother of God Epiphany of the Lord Baptism of the Lord Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday Feast of St Patrick Annunciation Palm (Passion) Sunday Holy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday Easter Sunday Our Lady Help of Christians Ascension of Jesus into Heaven Pentecost Holy Trinity The Body and Blood of Christ Saint Mary MacKillop Assumption of Mary into Heaven Mary’s Birthday All Saint’s Day All Soul’s Day Christ the King
Year B Dec 3 Dec 25
Su Mo
Advent begins Birth of Jesus (Christmas)
Key Dates for 2017 Mar 1 - Ash Wednesday Apr 16 - Easter Sunday Jun 4 - Pentecost Dec 3 - Advent begins
Why do we have a Church calendar?
s ma ist Ch r
Lent
& Blo
Easter
Body
Colours as symbols: Purple = penance (Advent, Lent) Red = warmth, blood (Pentecost, martyrs) Gold = joy, purity, innocence, glory (Christmas, Easter) Sometimes white is used instead Green = life (Ordinary Time)
Ordinary Time
Ordinary Time
Pentecosot d
As a Church family, we have a busy calendar of events and seasons. The Church year begins with Advent. Easter is the high point. The year ends with the feast of Christ the King.
Advent
Student Pages 3
Praying is talking to God. We can talk to God in many ways. One of the ways is by using prayers that Catholics all over the world say. Here are some examples of our great Catholic prayers.
1. The Sign of the Cross In the Name of the Father, [touch forehead] and of the Son, [touch chest] and of the Holy Spirit. [touch each shoulder] Amen. [hands together] Why do we make the Sign of the Cross? Do you rush through the Sign of the Cross as if swatting a fly? Don’t! This gesture is a powerful symbol that connects us with the Trinity and with our baptism. By making this sign you are declaring: I am under the power of God!
2. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen. 3. The Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. 10 Student Pages
4. Glory Be Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 5. The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Why Pray? Relationships thrive on good communication. To grow in love and friendship we need to communicate, not just openly but, often! When we pray, we express our desire to grow closer to God. Through prayer we can praise, thank, ask, cry, argue and express many emotions. We can speak, listen, sing, chant, dance, smile, embrace or just sit with our God.
6. Hail Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy! Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate your eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, pray for us. Amen. 7. The Angelus The angel of the Lord declared to Mary: R: And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary ... Behold the handmaid of the Lord: R: Be it done to me according to your word. Hail Mary ... And the Word was made flesh: R: And dwelt among us. Hail Mary ... Pray for us O holy Mother of God! R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
8. Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. 9. Act of Contrition (A prayer that is often used to express our sorrow when we go to Reconciliation) Oh my God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you. Because you are so good and with your help, I will not sin again. Amen.
Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may be brought by his passion and cross, to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ, Our Lord, Amen.
Why ‘Amen’? The word ‘amen’ was often spoken by Jesus and means ‘so be it’. When we say ‘amen’ at the end of a prayer, it is as if we say: I agree, this is true.
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Multiplication Tables
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Six represents creation, because God created the world in six days.
Counsel Fortitude
1x6=6 2 x 6 = 12 3 x 6 = 18 4 x 6 = 24 5 x 6 = 30 6 x 6 = 36 7 x 6 = 42 8 x 6 = 48 9 x 6 = 54 10 x 6 = 60 11 x 6 = 66 12 x 6 = 72
SEVEN
1x7=7 2 x 7 = 14 3 x 7 = 21 4 x 7 = 28 5 x 7 = 35 6 x 7 = 42 7 x 7 = 49 8 x 7 = 56 9 x 7 = 63 10 x 7 = 70 11 x 7 = 77 12 x 7 = 84
Fear of the Lord
The five wounds of Christ were received by Jesus during his suffering and death. Can you name them all?
SIX
There were four Evangelists, and they wrote the Gospels. Do you know who they are?
Piety
1x5=5 2 x 5 = 10 3 x 5 = 15 4 x 5 = 20 5 x 5 = 25 6 x 5 = 30 7 x 5 = 35 8 x 5 = 40 9 x 5 = 45 10 x 5 = 50 11 x 5 = 55 12 x 5 = 60
Three is a symbol of the Trinity. St Patrick used the shamrock (clover leaf) to teach people about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – three persons in one God.
Knowledge
FIVE
FOUR
1x4=4 2x4=8 3 x 4 = 12 4 x 4 = 16 5 x 4 = 20 6 x 4 = 24 7 x 4 = 28 8 x 4 = 32 9 x 4 = 36 10 x 4 = 40 11 x 4 = 44 12 x 4 = 48
Understanding
This hand sign with two fingers was used by early Christians to indicate their belief that Jesus was both human and divine.
THREE
1x3=3 2x3=6 3x3=9 4 x 3 = 12 5 x 3 = 15 6 x 3 = 18 7 x 3 = 21 8 x 3 = 24 9 x 3 = 27 10 x 3 = 30 11 x 3 = 33 12 x 3 = 36
Wisdom
TWO
1x2=2 2x2=4 3x2=6 4x2=8 5 x 2 = 10 6 x 2 = 12 7 x 2 = 14 8 x 2 = 16 9 x 2 = 18 10 x 2 = 20 11 x 2 = 22 12 x 2 = 24
This is the number of perfection. On the seventh day of creation God rested – we call this the Sabbath. There are also seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Multiplication Tables
EIGHT
1x8=8 2 x 8 = 16 3 x 8 = 24 4 x 8 = 32 5 x 8 = 40 6 x 8 = 48 7 x 8 = 56 8 x 8 = 64 9 x 8 = 72 10 x 8 = 80 11 x 8 = 88 12 x 8 = 96
Eight represents resurrection. This is why many baptismal fonts are octagons. There are also eight Beatitudes.
ELEVEN
1 x 11 = 11 2 x 11 = 22 3 x 11 = 33 4 x 11 = 44 5 x 11 = 55 6 x 11 = 66 7 x 11 = 77 8 x 11 = 88 9 x 11 = 99 10 x 11 = 110 11 x 11 = 121 12 x 11 = 132 Eleven is associated with disorder and judgement. There were 11 judgements on the Egyptians including the drowning at the Red Sea.
NINE
1x9=9 2 x 9 = 18 3 x 9 = 27 4 x 9 = 36 5 x 9 = 45 6 x 9 = 54 7 x 9 = 63 8 x 9 = 72 9 x 9 = 81 10 x 9 = 90 11 x 9 = 99 12 x 9 = 108
There is said to be nine choirs of angels in heaven, so this number is used to symbolise mystery or angels.
TWELVE
1 x 12 = 12 2 x 12 = 24 3 x 12 = 36 4 x 12 = 48 5 x 12 = 60 6 x 12 = 72 7 x 12 = 84 8 x 12 = 96 9 x 12 = 108 10 x 12 = 120 11 x 12 = 132 12 x 12 = 144 Twelve is often used to symbolise the Church as there were 12 apostles and 12 tribes of Israel.
TEN
1 x 10 = 10 2 x 10 = 20 3 x 10 = 30 4 x 10 = 40 5 x 10 = 50 6 x 10 = 60 7 x 10 = 70 8 x 10 = 80 9 x 10 = 90 10 x 10 = 100 11 x 10 = 110 12 x 10 = 120
The Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai.
THIRTEEN
1 x 13 = 13 2 x 13 = 26 3 x 13 = 39 4 x 13 = 52 5 x 13 = 65 6 x 13 = 78 7 x 13 = 91 8 x 13 = 104 9 x 13 = 117 10 x 13 = 130 11 x 13 = 143 12 x 13 = 156 In Jewish tradition thirteen represents love. There were 13 people (12 apostles and Christ) at the Last Supper. Look up I Corinthians 13 to see what the Bible says about love. Student Pages 23
Sunday January 1 | Mary, Mother of God
Precious Memories
THE WORD The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in the manger. The Shepherds told them what they had heard about Jesus and everyone who heard was astonished. Mary treasured all that they had to say. Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heeart. Nm 6:22-27 | Ps 66: | Gal 4:4-7 | Lk 2-16-21
LOOK CLOSER Mary’s Treasures. Several times in Luke’s Gospel, Mary hears people tell her astonishing things about her son and she treasures all these words. Mary knew that her son was was no ordinary child. Mary’s treasured memories are the centre of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary that Catholics all over the world have prayed for centuries. Pray it: Say a Rosary with the Joyful Mysteries.
PRAYER SPACE Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of death, Amen.
ACTIVITY Decode the message to find out what it was. (HINT: Check out Luke 2:8-15)
1
A=1, B=2, C=3 D=...
14 15 20
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Symbol: Rosary Beads
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Parent / Teacher Communication
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MONDAY | THIS WEEK
2 St Basil the Great St Gregory Nazianzen
TUESDAY
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3 Holy Name of Jesus
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4 St Elizabeth Ann Seton
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5 St John Neumann
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Sunday July 2 | Ordinary Time 13 THE WORD One day Elisha was traveling and a wealthy woman asked him to dinner. He regularly visited her on his travels. She said to her husband, “This must be a holy man of God, let us build a room for him to rest in.” When Elisha visited he stayed in the room and asked his servant what he could do for this woman. Elisha called the woman to him and said, “This time next year you will hold a son in your arms.”
Kindness 20 by 20 orthogonal maze
Start Here
2 Kg 4:8-16 | Ps 88 | Ro 6:3-4,8-11 | Mt 10:37-42
LOOK CLOSER Kindness magnifies. Today’s readings talk about the importance of welcoming God’s disciples. Elisha was welcomed by the woman above and beyond her obligations without expecting anything in return and she was still rewarded for her kindness. Jesus also teaches that God sees our kindness to others and magnifies it. Do it: Do a simple random act of kindness for someone today.
PRAYER SPACE
Finish
Symbol: Water Jug Lord, we will sing forever of your love! Make us your disciples and to welcome your Holy Spirit into our hearts. Amen.
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ACTIVITY Help Elisha make his way to the widow’s house. SUNDAY
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Parent / Teacher Communication
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MONDAY | THIS WEEK
3 St Thomas the Apostle
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4 St Elizabeth of Portugal
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5 St Anthony Zaccaria
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6 St Maria Goretti
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7 Bl Peter to Rot
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Sunday July 30 | Ordinary Time 17 THE WORD Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure buried in a field. A man finds it, hides it and sells everything he has to buy that piece of land. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he finds one of great beauty he sells everything he has to buy it.”
Treasure!
Kn 3:5,7-12 | Ps 118 | Rom 8:28-30 | Mt 13:44-52
LOOK CLOSER All Yours. St Pope John Paul II’s motto was ‘Totus Tuus’, which means ‘All Yours’. He dedicated everything he had to following Jesus and being open to the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls us to give him everything too. This is not meant to be a burden for us. When someone gives us love and kindness, we usually want to respond with our own gift of love and friendship back. Do it: Watch a movie about a quest for treasure. Talk about what things are ‘treasure’ in your life.
PRAYER SPACE Symbol: Pearls Lord Jesus, Your love is a treasure of great value. Help us to give ourselves freely to you. Amen.
Follow the arrow on the treasure map and spell out the sentence. F O R Y
H R U O
E A R T
L A L L I W W A
E W B H S E Y R
Solve the puzzle to find out something else Jesus said about treasure. (Mt 6:21)
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Parent / Teacher Communication
St Peter Chrysologus
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31 St Ignatius Loyola
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1 St Alphonsus Liguori
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2 St Eusebius of Vercelli St Peter Julian Eymard
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Family Rituals Everyday Prayer Rituals Rituals are tremendously important in family life. Many of our fondest memories of our childhood relate to family rituals, such as long Christmas lunches, Sunday walks on the beach, buying icecreams after Mass, praying the Rosary or reading bedtime stories together. Rituals nurture the emotional and spiritual health of the family. They promote belonging and intimacy in our family relationships. They punctuate our lives with purposeful and memorable encounters with each other. Faith rituals in particular play an integral role in forming our children in their faith. Every family will develop its own unique expressions but you might like to consider these ideas to enliven your family’s faith life.
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Children benefit from predictable routines so establish some simple prayer rituals that you can use every day. • Grace before meals is a simple way to bring God and his blessings into our awareness (see ‘A Mealtime Prayer’ p136). • Family prayer time is a wonderful way for family members to bond and reflect on their day (see p139 for suggestions, and My Day p153). • If you’re not in the habit of praying the Rosary, try ‘The Rosary Keychain’, a simple adaptation of this traditional prayer which works well with children (see pp12-13). • A wonderful way to settle young children for sleep is with a bedtime blessing. Given by the parent, a bedtime blessing is a calming affirmation of the child’s goodness and value (see www.cathfamily.org).
Suggested Prayer Space Format
One of the best ways to help your children grow in faith is to teach them to pray. There are many ways to pray as a family and it is good to have both regular routines and variety. Many families find it helpful to establish a prayer space in their home. This can be a small table, a shelf in a bookcase, the mantlepiece over the fire, or even a moveable tray on the dinner table. Most families like to have a crucifix or image of Mary and Jesus, a candle and the Bible. Some like to have different coloured cloths which they change to coincide with the liturgical season. Other items you might like to keep nearby to use on occasions are:
• rosary beads • songs and hymns (words, music on CD) • a vase for flowers • a fireproof bowl for burning petitions • holy pictures, photos of loved ones • momentos of the sacraments • books of prayer and the saints.
Each Sunday page has a symbol that relates to the theme of the Sunday reading and provides a tactile and visually stimulating element for your prayer. This is usually a simple object such as a stone or a star. Use this symbol (or a picture of it) as a focus point. 1. Gather the family and light your candle. 2. Make the Sign of the Cross, then one person reads the scripture passage. 3. Family Focus: discuss the scripture together and do the activity if appropriate. 4. Offer prayers and intentions then say the closing prayer in the prayer space. 5. Say a Hail Mary (or a Rosary) and make the Sign of the Cross.
Free family ritual guides available at www.cathfamily.org
Deepen your family’s faith by marking special occasions with some more elaborate rituals. For example, Ash Wednesday: Mark the beginning of Lent by making your own ashes. Stations of the Cross: Kids love candles. Start with twelve or fourteen lit candles and blow one out with each station Passover: Get in touch with the Jewish roots of the Mass. Saint Days: We celebrate birthdays, but why not celebrate your child’s saint day? Look up the saint with a name that corresponds to one of your child’s names and mark it with special prayers and celebrations. Sacrament Celebrations: Don’t leave to the school all of your child’s preparation for the sacraments! There are many ways that you can contribute to their formation for these important events (see pp138-144). Parent Pages 133
Sacraments: Our Life in the Church Relationships grow through communication. Communication is more than just words. We also communicate with gestures such as smiles, handshakes, hugs, gifts, cards and flowers. In our relationship with God, we too can connect with him through words and also through gestures. But how does God communicate with us? In the same way really; in words and gestures. There are the scriptures which are God’s words to us and there are the sacraments which are gestures of God’s love. The Church has named and formally recognised seven sacraments as the powerful ways God reaches out to connect with his people here and now. Pope John Paul II said that a sacrament made visible the invisible mystery of God. The Sacraments of the Church are visible signs that God’s presence is real and is among us. They are signs that God loves us. Each of the seven sacraments of the Church emphasises a different dimension of our relationship with our loving God.
The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist) highlight our relationship with each person of the Trinity: - In Baptism we become a child of God the Father as we are reborn spiritually. We use the symbol of water to signify this rebirth (recalling the waters of our natural birth). Many of the prayers of baptism express belonging, being part of the family of God, and being an heir in God’s kingdom, just like a real son or daughter. - In Confirmation, we recommit to our baptismal vows (made on our behalf by our parents and godparents) and we receive the permanent gift (“seal”) of the Holy Spirit. We are empowered as adult members of the Church to live the Christian life with conviction. - At our first Communion we unite with Jesus. When we eat his body and drink his blood, we become one flesh with him. That’s why it’s called ‘communion’; we become one body and one spirit with Jesus. The Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick) highlight the merciful nature of God, while the Vocational (or Mission) Sacraments (Matrimony, Holy Orders) illuminate our call to intimacy with Him and to share his love with others. [The following pages draw on the insights of the ‘Ten Ways to Celebrate the Sacraments’ series by Teresa Pirola, The Story Source.]
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A child of God When a person is baptised into the Church he enters into a relationship. He or she no longer lives as an individual entity but as a member of the Body of Christ. The baptismal ceremony marks the beginning of this new life of union and ongoing commitment. A baptised adult says, ‘Yes, I want to be one with you; I want to live a life faithful to the Gospel’. When an infant is baptised, the parents and godparents make this commitment on the child’s behalf. At the same time, we, the Christian community, pledge ourselves to be in relationship with that person. Some children in our school for a variety of reasons are not baptised. If your child expresses interest in being baptised, or you would like to have them baptised, please feel welcome to contact your local parish to discuss this further. This, of course, applies to any member in your family who wants to become part of the sacramental life of the Church. Everyone is welcome in our Church and their presence would be a great gift to our Church family.
Ways to prepare for and celebrate your child’s Baptism. 1. Pray for them. Place a photograph or memento of your child in your Prayer Space and pray for them each day. Ask family and friends, and especially their godparents, to pray also. 2. Prepare a Baptismal candle. Many parishes and Catholic bookshops sell candles already decorated with baptismal symbols. Some families like to decorate their own candle. (Try fabric paint, use pins to hold ribbons, lace or decorative paper in place). 3. Prayer that lasts. Write a prayer (or copy one) that expresses your heartfelt longing for your child to know how deeply loved and treasured they are by God. Write it out in a beautiful card or print it and frame it for your child’s room. Information for adults about the Catholic Faith: www.catholicenquiry.com
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The internet is becoming an increasing part of our children’s everyday life and a standard school research tool. It is a wonderful resource but it is not without its dangers. Surveys repeatedly demonstrate the escalating risk of children and teenagers being exposed to pornography and other inappropriate material on the internet. Although young people are technologically savvy, most are unaware of the dangers on the internet and frequently leave themselves open to abuse and exploitation. Internet filtering is a valuable tool but of itself is not enough. Filtering will not provide complete protection from harmful material or predators so it is essential that parents be proactive in teaching their children to be critical of what they read on the net and avoid engaging with strangers in cyber-space. This needs to be undertaken in an age appropriate manner and is best done in the context of your family values.
Important Resources A number of statements on the internet by the Bishops and the Pope can be easily located with an internet search: www.netalert.gov.au Information for parents and guardians, including free internet filtering software: www.cybersmartkids.com.au The Australian Communications and Media Authority is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radio communications, telecommunications and online content.
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Raising Cyber-Smart Kids Monitor your child’s use of the internet: Install filtering software, locate the computer in a place that can be easily supervised and check the surfing history regularly. Educate your child about the dangers of the internet and other cyber environments. Speak candidly about the addictive and destructive impact of pornography, the injustice of cyber-bullying, the legal consequences of participating in cyberbulling or downloading illegal material, and the dangers of engaging with strangers in cyber-space. Model sensible internet use. When inappropriate ‘pop-up’ boxes or advertising appears on a site, exit the site and make a complaint. Remove other sources of undesirable material from your home such as pornographic magazines and TV shows that undermine your values. Set time limits for internet use and stick to them!
Emotional Intelligence is widely recognised as important for human flourishing. The ability to identify and appropriately express one’s emotions, self-regulate negative emotions, self-soothe and empathise with others are valuable life skills. While people will be gifted to different degrees with Emotional Intelligence, like all intelligences, we can only experience the maximum potential benefits if we train that intelligence and learn the necessary skills. This is what Emotional Literacy is all about - developing the skills that allow our natural Emotional Intelligence to flourish and enrich our lives. It’s a key skill in developing healthy relationships and experiencing life as a gift in all its wonder and challenges. Emotional Literacy brings the following benefits: • Promotes self-awareness and positive self-esteem (‘I know, understand and accept myself and my needs’) • Fosters self-control (‘I choose how I will respond to strong emotions’) • Develops resilience and optimism - important character traits known to be influential for healthy, well adjusted individuals (‘I see the positive side in every situation, good and bad alike’) • Facilitates healthy communication with others and the appropriate expression of desires and needs (‘I express myself clearly and respectfully’) • Promotes empathetic understanding towards others which helps prevent bullying and other destructive behaviours (‘I understand how others are feeling’).
My Day ‘My Day’ is a daily reflection tool inspired by the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius. By reflecting on the best and worst of the day, children learn to assimilate their experiences into their developing understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. This simple practice is a window into your child’s emotional life. When children start school, a large part of their world is out of a parent’s sight and reach. Things happen at school, both wonderful and upsetting. Yet by the time a child gets home, the moment has passed. ‘My Day’ is designed to help parents keep in touch with the high and low points of their child’s daily life and so promote the development of their child’s Emotional Literacy. To maximise the impact of ‘My Day’, make this a family ‘night prayer’ ritual - give thanks to God for both the good and bad in life and ask the Holy Spirit for help. 1. Ask your child/ren about their day: a. What was the best thing that happened to you today? b. What was the worst thing that happened to you today? Supplementary Questions: • How did you feel when that happened? • What was that like for you? • What were you thinking about at the time? • What do you think your friend/teacher was feeling? • What have you learned from what happened? 2. Give thanks to God for both the good and the bad in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit for help.
Playful
Tired
Peaceful
Sad
Curious
Worried
3. Say a Joey Rosary (Our Father, three Hail Marys, Glory Be).
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Student Name: Absent
Term No: /
/ 2017
(to)
/
/ 2017
Class Teacher:
Class:
Sick External Activities Other Doctor’s Note Attached
Parent Signature:
Teacher / Admin
Student Name: Absent
Term No: /
/ 2017
(to)
/
/ 2017
Class Teacher:
Class:
Sick External Activities Other Doctor’s Note Attached Teacher / Admin
Parent Signature:
Parent Pages 151
The My School Diary Series
My School Diary | My Reading Record | My Teacher Diary Resources for building a positive Catholic culture.
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