Thoughts and Prayers 29th April – 3rd May 2024

2nd May 2024Miss C Rossi

Our theme this week comes from this passage from John (15:1-8): “I am the vine, you are the branches”. Here, Jesus uses the metaphor that he is the vine and his believers are the branches. ​
During the Last Supper, just before his crucifixion, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of staying connected to him. He uses this metaphor to illustrate their relationship. Jesus is the vine, the source of life, while his disciples are the branches, drawing strength from him. Just as branches need to stay attached to the vine to bear fruit, Jesus emphasizes the necessity for his followers to remain in close communion with him. This metaphor highlights the intimate connection between Jesus and his disciples and underscores the significance of abiding in him for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.​ This week, we encourage our students to consider what the term ‘home’ means to them, questioning whether it is a physical space or in fact a feeling or state of being.

 

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Podcast Club

25th April 2024Miss C Rossi

We are excited to share with you the next instalment of our Podcast series created by Podcast Club! The theme of the episode is “All about Reading”.

In the podcast, students explain why reading is so important and what their favourite books are, as well as interviewing Miss Hornsby, Miss Farmahan and Miss Charlton about why we enjoy reading.

The following soundtracks were used during the recording:
Music: Lookin’ Up by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com
Music: Tonight At Eight by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Thoughts and Prayers 15th – 19th April 2024

17th April 2024Miss C Rossi

Our theme this week comes from Luke 24:35-48, “Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.” In this verse, Jesus appears to his disciples after rising from the dead. They’re scared, thinking he’s a ghost. To prove he’s alive, Jesus invites them to touch him, showing he has flesh and bones, not just a spirit.​ This moment is crucial because it shows Jesus didn’t just come back spiritually but physically too. This emphasizes that being alive isn’t just about our spirits but also our bodies.​ It’s a reminder that life is more than just existing; it’s about fully embracing our physical selves and the world around us. Just like Jesus’ resurrection brings new life, we’re encouraged to live each day fully, cherishing every moment and experience.​

 

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Thoughts and Prayers 18th – 22nd March

19th March 2024Miss C Rossi

Our theme this week comes from the verse: “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live.” (John 11:25) and is a promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. In this passage, Jesus is comforting Martha, the sister of Lazarus, who has just died. Martha expresses her belief in the resurrection at the last day, but Jesus responds with a profound revelation of his own identity and power. Linking this verse to the theme of surrender provides a connection between surrendering to Christ and experiencing the fullness of life, both in this world and in eternity. Surrendering to Christ means entrusting our lives entirely to Him, believing in His power to transform us and grant us eternal life. This week, students will also explore the importance of World Water Day and the Feast Day of St Oscar Romero.

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Thoughts and Prayers 11th – 15th March 2024

8th March 2024Miss C Rossi

Our theme this week is Works of Art and the theme comes from Ephesians 2:4-10. In the context of “works of art,” the passage emphasises that salvation is not achieved through one’s own works or efforts but through the grace of God and faith in Jesus Christ. The passage highlights that we are God’s creation, His workmanship, created for good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. There are opportunities to reflect on the fact that we are a divine work of art, fashioned by the hands of the God and that we should strive to embrace His grace, discover our purpose, and let our lives be a masterpiece in the making.

 

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Thoughts and Prayers 4th – 8th March 2024

1st March 2024Miss C Rossi

Our theme this week comes from The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and will explore how rules serve as guidelines that help maintain order, promote fairness, and foster harmony within our community. ​In a Catholic context, rules are not merely regulations to be followed but are rooted in the teachings of Christ, guiding us towards living a life of virtue and love.​ The activities will involve opportunities for debate and discussion while encouraging our young people to consider how rules can provide structure and safety.

This week, we will also celebrate World Book Day (7th March) and International Women’s Day (8th March). The final day of reflections will encourage students to consider the rule breakers and rebels who fight for gender equality and students will look at some examples of literature that celebrates the female voice.

 

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Thoughts and Prayers 26th February – 1st March

15th February 2024Miss C Rossi
Our scripture this week comes from Mark 9:2-10. This passage is commonly known as the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He is transfigured before them. His clothes become dazzling white, and Elijah and Moses appear and talk with Him. Then a cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud says, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Relating this to the theme of transformation, the Transfiguration represents a profound transformation not only in Jesus’ appearance but also in the disciples’ understanding of Him. It marks a turning point in their relationship with Jesus, deepening their faith and preparing them for the transformative events to come, including Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Transfiguration foreshadows the ultimate transformation that Christians experience through their relationship with Christ. Just as Jesus was transfigured before His disciples, we are called to undergo a spiritual transformation, being renewed in mind, heart, and spirit through their union with Christ.

Thoughts and Prayers 12th-16th February

6th February 2024Miss C Rossi

Our theme this week comes from the Gospel of Mark and the passage 1:40-45 which recounts the story of Jesus healing a leper. In this narrative, a man afflicted with leprosy approaches Jesus, kneeling before him and saying, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” The leper expresses his faith in Jesus’ ability to heal him but acknowledges that it ultimately depends on Jesus’ willingness to do so. ​In response, Jesus is moved with compassion and reaches out to touch the man, saying, “I am willing; be clean!” Immediately, the man’s leprosy disappears, and he is healed. This passage demonstrates several important aspects of Jesus’ ministry. ​Firstly, it highlights Jesus’ compassion and willingness to reach out to those who are marginalised and suffering. Despite the societal stigma surrounding leprosy and the risk of contamination, Jesus responds with love and healing. Secondly, it underscores the power of faith. The leper demonstrates faith in Jesus’ ability to heal him, and Jesus affirms this faith by granting his request. ​Finally, it reveals Jesus’ authority over sickness and impurity. With a simple command, Jesus demonstrates his power to cleanse and restore. In summary, the passage portrays a powerful encounter between Jesus and a leper, illustrating Jesus’ compassion, the importance of faith, and his authority to heal and restore.​

 

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