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Last Sunday’s Gospel...
Last Sunday we heard the story of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. Jesus cried when he heard Lazarus was dead because he was as fully human as he was God, and so experienced feelings of grief just like we do. He asked an important question of Martha when he declared himself to be the Resurrection and the life – Do you believe this? He asked her if she had the faith that whoever believed in Jesus will live even though we die. Do you believe this?
Did you know...
Jesus is reported as weeping only twice. This story and when he looked out at Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives as he entered the city. In both, he wanted to gather the people to him and give them hope.
From the Principal...
As you are very well aware, the last two weeks have seen changes we could never have even imagined. I am very proud to be able to say the teachers at Holy Family have made an extraordinary effort to provide online learning platforms for our students in a very short space of time. They have approached every challenge with a spirit of determination and have completely changed the way they teach. Students have been eager participants, often finding the new experiences stimulating and have been very generous in sharing their talents with others. As I said at the Monday morning assembly, I pay tribute to you busy parents, grandparents and carers, who amongst sorting out your own employment and working from home issues have made arrangements to facilitate your children’s learning. Thank you for your efforts!
Teachers continue to review and refine the online learning experiences so you will notice changes as we move through this period. The aim at the moment is to make sure every student, possibly with parental assistance, can access their Google account and their own Google Classroom. That will remain the primary source of information regarding learning with apps like Seesaw and Zoom brought in gradually to support Google Classroom. Please let us know if you cannot access Google Classroom by telephoning the office or sending an email to info@hfidow.catholic.edu.au. We will follow up with assistance.
Disruption of one of my usual routines, that has upset me most, is not being able to go to Mass. My parish is streaming Mass live and I know a number of others are too. While it isn’t the same, I have found a degree of peace by ‘attending’ at my usual time and I feel the spirit of the ‘virtual’ body of Christ, the congregation, participating with me. Here are some links to local parishes so you can participate in the various liturgies on offer as well.
Our Lady Help of Christians Rosemeadow
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Oran Park
God Bless,
Michelle Rolfe
Principal
GOVERNMENT RELEASES NEW APP TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH COVID-19 INFORMATION
The Federal Government has released new ways to stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 information. The Coronavirus Australia app is available for download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
The government is also encouraging everybody who owns a smartphone to download WhatsApp and visit aus.gov.au/WhatsApp on their mobile browser to gain access to a messaging service specifically focused on COVID-19 information.
A Call to commit to Prayer during the Pandemic every evening at 7pm
The faithful across the Diocese of Wollongong are urged to join with other members of the National Council of Churches, so that all Christians pray 7pm every night until Easter Sunday during the Pandemic crisis.
PRAYING FOR OUR WORLD, AMIDST COVID-19
Gracious God,
We give thanks anew for your providence and presence.
We prayerfully seek your grace, amidst COVID-19 here and overseas. We pray for those in need of healing.
We pray for your peace with those who are anxious or grieving. We pray you will continue to strengthen and sustain all those who are serving in response.
We pray for your Holy Spirit’s discernment amidst the many choices and decisions facing our national, community and medical leaders. We pray we each might see quickly what more we can do to help those who are vulnerable.
This prayer for our nation in the family of nations, with all that is on our hearts, we gather now and pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Wollongong Diocese website att https://www.dow.org.au/covid-19/ provides up to date information and spiritual resources you might be looking for, especially now. These include:
- Journey Catholic Radio at https://www.dow.org.au/media-resources/journey-radio/
- Lenten program at https://www.dow.org.au/product/grace-lenten-program-2020-triple-cd-mp3-digital-download-free/
Weekly Mass Online:
Many parishes are providing a live streaming of Sunday Mass so that we may all participate in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Bishop Brian and other clergy are live streaming Mass every Sunday. If you are interested, go to their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/WollongongCatholic
Holy Week Celebration and Prayer
Next week each class will be learning about Holy Week. The teachers are preparing resources for online use. We will also have a prayer service available for each class on their Google Classroom page. So keep an eye out for it!
Sacramental Programs
As you are aware, all sacraments are on hold at the moment. We have not made a decision yet about dates for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion (which was originally June) as we do not know how long restrictions will be in place. We have kept all envelopes from students and parishioners.
Talents to share
Do you play an instrument? Or have a talent that may be of benefit to the faith and spirituality of students while online?
Would you be interested in playing a song to accompany a prayer posted online in upcoming months? Do you have a talent that you think could enrich the learning experiences of our students online? If so, please leave your email address and contact details with the office staff.
Deanna David
Religious Education Coordinator
As of last Sunday 29 March (5th Sunday of Lent), a live recorded celebration of Sunday Mass online with Bishop Brian Mascord is available via the Diocesan YouTube channel and the Diocesan Facebook page. (dow.org.au - click for more details bar at top of home page and scroll down)
These online Masses will continue on Sundays (while possible) giving parishioners throughout the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands (and everyone else watching from around the world) the opportunity to join with their bishop and make an act of spiritual Communion together as a diocese. Other online Masses and resources are also available on the website.
It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an act of spiritual Communion which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion means uniting one’s self in prayer with Christ’s sacrifice and worshipping him in his Body and Blood. Acts of spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.
A prayer for Spiritual Communion
Students will be required to wear full winter uniform from Monday 11 May 2020. (Monday after Mother’s Day) For the two weeks prior to this winter uniform may be worn at parents’ discretion depending upon the weather.
The Holy Family School uniform, including the sports uniform, for boys and girls is only available at the Lowes store in Minto Marketplace, Minto.