SILENCE, STILLNESS AND SOLITUDE

This week the staff of our school was given an opportunity to take ‘wellbeing’ time for contemplative and meditative prayer in the hope to be reacquainted with our God and refreshed to continue the journey. 

 

As a world we have been through so much, as a community and country we have had to come together. We have had to go without our everyday luxuries, even some essentials like religious services. Some of us may have been sick or affected by the virus firsthand with our family and friends. Others have had to deal with ongoing anxiety, unknowing, waiting. Isolation has hit many, as teachers we have had to change our way of teaching and working. It has not been easy for anyone, each of us has had to sacrifice something.

Never, in my lifetime, has our country endured so much, from drought to fires and floods, to a worldwide pandemic leading to economic unrest, and recently the effects of the death of George Floyd.  And never has there been more need for Silence, Stillness and Solitude - time to reconnect with what matters most. Through prayer, we lean on each other and on our faith to confront this moment, and to learn, listen and grow.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL FUNDRAISER

Following recent conversations with Vinnies, there seems to be an increased need for warm garments this winter, in particular beanies, scarves and blankets.

The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has been challenged to knit or crochet these garments, and because my skills in this area are ‘primitive’, I am extending the challenge to any of you that may be able to help me out. 

All you need to do is knit or crochet a beanie, scarf or blanket and send it in to me and I will make sure that it is passed on to the organisers of the Vinnies Van to be given to those most in need. 

PODCAST SERIES - RIPPLES 

In response to COVID-19, a significant initiative has been developed for staff and parents to support their ongoing personal spiritual formation. It is a new podcast series entitled ‘Ripples: Inspired Voices, Treasured Stillness’.

Ripples seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. On Tuesday of each week a new Episode and Meditation will be offered. Practices like these create a ripple effect. They have the potential to impact the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, to others in our world, to creation and to our loving God.

The Ripples Podcast is now available on the Continuity of Faith and Learning website, on Podbean and Apple Podcast.

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday 21 June 2020	TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A Jesus today tells his disciples just how much they are loved by God. Jesus is asking us to trust in God through our life. Even when we have difficulties, he is with us through it all and is there to comfort us and help us.
Sunday 28 June 2020	THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A 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.