Spreading the Good News - Term 2, 2016 Newsletter

No 92 Term 2 2016

Spreading the Good News

GOD BLESSES THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE MERCIFUL

Matthew 5:7

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WELCOME We begin a new term, so it’s an opportune time to reflect again on the Mercy of Jesus during this Year of Mercy. When you read the New Testament, the second Testament, the Christian Scriptures there are lots of compassionate and mercy stories.

When we read the Scriptures we recognise the compassion and mercy of Jesus. In the stories from the Gospels, Jesus is compassionate toward the man with leprosy. “Jesus felt sorry for the man. So, he put his hand on him and said, “I want to ..” (Mark 1:40-42).

Another story where Jesus showed compassion and mercy was the feeding of the five thousand people from Marks Gospel. “They have been with me for three days and they don’t have anything to eat” 8:2. This story shows Jesus’ compassion and also his practical response where he engages the disciples to pass around the food making sure everyone has a share.

These stories give us much to reflect on as we pray at our Mass and daily prayer.

Vicki and I would like to welcome the new people who have offered to help in the Special Religious Education Ministry. We both appreciate all that the SRE Teachers and Assistants do in their classes with their lesson preparation and lesson presentation.

In the current SRE Update, there is an article about the Review into SRE and SEE which was carried out during 2015.

RESPECT THE PRIVACY AND DIGNITY OF STUDENTS An important reminder when working with the students is that they will tell you things about the private lives in their families or other students families. Unless, of course, it is for the purpose of reporting a Child Protection concern, we respect the student and not use comments in your conversations. If a student has a medical condition always ask the classroom teacher if it is appropriate to encourage the students to pray for the student. It’s important not to speak negatively about a student’s character. We are all different, with different personalities and talents.

SAFE CHURCH TRAINING WORKSHOPS PARKES Saturday 28th May 2016 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Parkes Baptist Church Cnr Church & Currajong Streets Parkes Contact Judy Henderson Phone 02 9868 9221 Email css@nswactbaptists.org.au

STUDENT CATECHIST HELPER PROGRAM Next term we will continue with the training of the Students as Catechist Helpers in the Public Schools. Vicki and I are most grateful for the positive response we are given at both St Raphael’s 2

Cowra and La Salle Academy, Lithgow. A special thank you to the SRE Teachers who assist with the transport and have the students in their classrooms.

TERM TWO OVERVIEW CURRICULUMNS CHRIST OUR LIGHT AND LIFE The Stage Two program this term leads in with the mission of the Disciples. Just before Jesus returned to his Father in Heaven he gave his disciples a special task. He told them “Know that I am always with you.” Discussion will lead into their own Baptism and First Eucharist, Ascension. Lessons will continue with Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The story of Peter and John’s arrest and the story of St Mary of the Cross, MacKillop. They will use this knowledge to use as children in a parish, their prayer life and contributing to peace in their family.

SUNDAY SCRIPTURES ALIVE The term begins with the Sixth Sunday of Easter where Jesus reminds the disciples of his going away and that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will come and he will teach you everything.

The next lessons are of the Ascension, Pentecost Sunday, the Most Holy Trinity, the Body and Blood of Christ where the Gospel readings are intermingled between Luke’s and John’s gospels.

The rest of the Sunday readings are from Luke’s Gospel on prayer, showing good example, the gift of Faith, miracles and mission in the Church.

CONNECT This term the focus is on the Old Testament, beginning with the stories from Kings 1-24. The story of Solomon as King, his rule and wisdom. The story breaks into the division of the Kingdom and the decline of the kingdom with focus on Judah. Review of the Prophets at that time and the faithless leaders. Then the story goes into God’s love for the people and He brings them home.

The Kingdom is renewed.

GODSPACE Second term will focus on the followers of Jesus, especially Peter. How important Jesus was to Peter. The story from the Acts Ch. 3, 4, 10, 12. The program uses connection with the Old Testament stories of Abraham, Joshua, Gideon, Esther and most important the connection with Jesus. The stories highlight the strength of faith, strength in leadership, strength in service and strength in everything – Jesus.

SCHOOL CALENDAR DATES 2016 Term Two Term Three Term Four

26th April – 1st July 18th July – 23rd September 10th September – 20th September

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CATHOLIC RESOURCE CENTRE A multi-media lending library operated by the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Bathurst

Resource Sampler - Term 2, 2016

ON THE NET Bible for Children - Home page http://bibleforchildren.org/languages/english/stories.php Bible Stories – A range of bible stories from the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament are offered in multiple formats for download and use including power point. Links are provided to corresponding scripture as ready reference.

Bible Wise – Kids’ Korner – Home page for kids http://www.biblewise.com/kids/ The ‘Characters & Topics’ button is the easiest way to access resources, as this page is laid out with picture icon buttons to quickly identify what you are looking for. Other options are ‘Fun and Games’, ‘Read a Story’, ‘Listen to a Story’ and ‘Holy Land Tours’; stories are identified as for younger children or older children for easier selection. SRE teachers and parents will be able to find something useful for any of the topics or characters named. For example Solomon - http://www.biblewise.com/kids/char_topic/solomon.php Esther - http://www.biblewise.com/kids/char_topic/esther.php The Disciples Look Up – The Ascension of Our Lord – Sunday School Lessons http://www.sundayschoollessons.com/ascles.htm Simple explanation with biblical story presented as a lesson with questions for students to promote understanding of scripture, Jesus’ teaching and the church year.

Sunday School Lessons – Home page http://www.sundayschoollessons.com/ Strange and Miraculous – the story of Pentecost – Children’s Chapel http://childrenschapel.org/biblestories/pentecost.html This is a complete lesson with questions to think about or discuss with students, a bible verse to remember and a short prayer. Colouring-in page and more related material.

The Children’s Chapel – Home page http://childrenschapel.org/ DVDs The Jesus storybook Bible. Vol. 4 every story whispers His name [DVD] (ca. 60 min.) / [presented by] Zonderkidz. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Zonderkidz, 2013.

Narrated by David Suchet, this DVD contains twelve stories from the New Testament : The Friend of little children; The man who didn’t have any friends (none) (Zacchaeus); Running away (The lost son); Washed with tears (Woman anoints Jesus); The Servant King (The Last Supper); A dark night in the garden (The Garden of Gethsemane); The sun stops shining (The Crucifixion); God’s wonderful surprise (The Resurrection); Going home (The Ascension); God sends help (Pentecost); A new way to see (Story of Paul); A dream of heaven (John sees the future).

Peter and the doubt [DVD] / Bible Society - Scripture Union. / C & P United Bible Societies, 2005.

Heroes of the faith. 1 x DVD (31 min.): sd. ; col.

Suitability: from Lower Primary to Upper Primary

BOOKS Alive in the Spirit Today / Albert Hari, Charles Singer. / Chelmsford : Matthew James, 1997. / 263 p. : col. ill.

Ascension and Pentecost / writers, Catherine Blythe ... [and others] ; illustrator, Sarah Jolly. / East Melbourne : James Goold House, 2005. Big book.

Included : Jesus returns to his father ; the spirit comes ;

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The fruit of the spirit (Grades 4-6). / by Barb Marshall. / Torrance CA : Shining Star Publications, 1998. Christian Concepts series.

Activity sheets to assist learning about the fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love; Goodness; Patience; Joy; Faithfulness; Peace; Kindness; Self-control; Gentleness.

LearningLinks to the prophets : teacher resources for the religion classroom / Maurice Ryan. / Hamilton, Qld. : Lumino, 2010.

Includes blackline masters.

POSTERS, PICTURE SETS What’s great about a picture? It offers focus when telling a Bible story, can be handed around for students to have a closer look, as a story prompt, asking children what they see, what they think may be happening, what is familiar/unfamiliar, range of posters and picture sets available

CRAFTS Craft activities are not impossible within the time of SRE lessons, though preparation is the key to success. Books with suitable classroom crafts are available to borrow from the Centre or consult one of the many web sites which offer detailed craft activity instructions. Tips:  Bring consumable supplies in already divided/apportioned sets for each student (and/or sets for students to work in pairs, threes or small groups – as applicable).  Provide a paper bag to put their craft item in to take home, completed or not.  Ensure a take-home copy of ‘How To’ do the craft is already in each bag --- (for finishing at home or/and because they so enjoyed want to do again/more with family).

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Topical information about resources and web sites for Christian education are often discussed in the blog which is searchable by a number of subject tags is located at http://regathering.weebly.com/resources.html

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ STANDARD HOURS: 26 April TO 1 July, Term 2, 2016 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9 am – 12 noon & 1 pm – 5 pm Tuesdays: 2 pm – 5pm - Outside these hours by appointment.

- There are odd, unscheduled times when the Centre may be closed during standard hours. It is strongly recommended to telephone the Centre in advance to ensure staff availability, especially if coming from a distance.

- If phone diverts to voicemail, please DO leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible

- Hours of opening and advance notice of any changes to standard hours (whenever possible) are advertised on the REgathering web site at http://regathering.weebly.com/ Information, resources and services to support SRE are available from the Catholic Resource Centre.

Telephone: (02) 6338 3022 Email: recentre@bth.catholic.edu.au Postal Address: PO BOX 725 BATHURST NSW 2795 Location: GILMOUR STREET KELSO NSW 2795

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CHURCH CALENDAR 2016 MAY 1st 3rd 8th 13th 14th 15th 22nd 24th 29th 31st

6th Sunday of Easter Sts Philip & James Apostles Ascension of the Lord Our Lady of Fatima St Matthias Apostle Pentecost Sunday The Most Holy Trinity Our Lady Help of Christians Patron of Australia The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

JUNE 3rd 4th 5th 12th 19th 24th 26th 29th

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus The Immaculate Heart of Mary 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time The Nativity of John the Baptist 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Sts Peter & Paul Apostles

JULY 3rd 6th 10th 15th 16th 17th 19th 24th 25th 26th 29th 31st DIRECTORY

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time St Maria Goretti 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time St Bonaventure Our Lady of Mount Carmel 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time St Bridget 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time St James Apostle Sts Joachim & Anne St Martha 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

HELEN C RYAN P O BOX 720 DUBBO NSW 2830 HOME: (02) 68845848 MOBILE: 0407001196 VICKI MAIR 73 FREEMAN CIRCUIT BATHURST NSW 2795 HOME: (02) 6332 2835

EMAIL: sre@bathurst.catholic.org.au

EMAIL:

v-a-mair@live.com.au

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