2024! The International Year of Prayer is here and we will be working at every level to bring this wonderful practice to life for all our community. Firstly, an understanding of what prayer IS: 

Prayer is not primarily saying words or thinking thoughts. It is, rather, a life stance. It’s a way of living in the Presence, living in awareness of the Presence, and even of enjoying the Presence. Fully contemplative people are more than aware of Divine Presence; they trust, allow, and delight in it. They “stand” on it! (RICHARD ROHR)

I love this definition of Prayer because it tells us that just by living, we are praying and praising God. Prayer is commonly perceived as something we do “to God” or “for God” but, in reality, the benefit is all for us to reap.

At St Joseph’s, we have developed an extensive Prayer Scope and Sequence that helps our students explore the different styles and types of prayer, allow for each individual to find their preferred way to converse with God. This year we will also be exploring different spaces and places around our school that can be turned into “Pop-Up” prayerful spaces for students to interact with whenever they feel inclined to.

I will share with you more on this topic as the year goes on.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2024

For all those interested in enrolling their child in the SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM, please do so as soon as possible as enrolments are about to close. The program is aimed mainly at students in Year 3 and 4, and it will run between March and November. Enrolment forms are avaible from the school Front Office.

 

SHROVE TUESDAY
It was another great endeavour by staff and volunteers. I would like to extend my thanks to the amazing people who gave up their time to help us out (read: seamlessly and efficiently manage the whole process!): Anna, Katie, Meagan, Rosanna, Belinda, Laura. It was so lovely to work alongside you.

PROJECT COMPASSION

You will have noticed that your child brought home the Project Compassion Money Box. Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world. The theme this year is: For All Future Generations. 

Your generous support can help change lives today - and For All Future Generations. For more information please visit https://www.caritas.org.au/resources/project-compassion/

Please donate generously and participate in our Social Justice initiatives in term 1 to help us raise as much money as possible for this amazing cause. To donate online please visit: https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/st-josephs-primary-school-kingswood or scan the code below.

ASH WEDENSDAY

It is curious that this year Ash Wednesday happens to fall on the same day as St Valentine’s Day. This doesn’t happen very often.

Ash Wednesday is the perfect day to think about love. We don’t see flowers in church today and we are asked to eat modestly. Today, we begin our journey towards our observance and celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. The cross of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of how profoundly God loves the world.

Lent is a time when we are also asked to consider how authentically we make God’s love visible to others. The reading today from St Paul reminds us that ‘we are ambassadors for Christ.’ This means taking risks and reaching beyond our comfort zones to share a message with a world that is often indifferent and doesn’t want to hear it.

I pray that this Lenten Season, we are able to understand deeply how much God loves us.

Blessings to all!

Christine Farrugia

APRIM