Sunday Gospel: John 9:1-41 Fourth Sunday of Lent – Year A

This week’s Gospel is another leading us towards the Easter story. This Gospel tells of Jesus restoring the sight of a man born blind. The man, who is gradually brought from physical blindness to sight, also progressively moves from spiritual blindness to deep insight.  The Pharisees were blind to the truth that the newly cured man could see so clearly. The one who was blind sees, and those who can see are blind.

The story of the man born blind is a perfect choice for the Lenten season. During this season we are invited once again to open our eyes to Jesus; to step out of darkness and into the light; to look towards the future with hope and not despair. When we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at the Easter vigil, we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World into our lives. This annual call to turn away from darkness and walk in the light is a powerful call to focus our lives on the way of Jesus.

Values Assembly – 3/4Yellow

Our first Values Assembly for 2020 was held on Friday, 13th March, led by 3/4 Yellow and Mr Gubler. The value for the remainder of the term is ‘Forgiveness’. 3/4 Yellow did a wonderful job of unpacking the value for the school through a role play of The Prodigal Son, a very clever acrostic poem, and a challenging pledge. Many thanks for the hard work you put into your assembly 3/4 Yellow and Mr Gubler – well done!

Parish/School Mass, Presentation of Reconciliation Candidates

On Sunday, 15^th March, the first Parish/School Mass for 2020 was celebrated at Sts Peter and Paul, Garran. During the Mass, the candidates for Reconciliation were presented to the community. It was a beautiful Mass, where members of the community were able to acknowledge these candidates and the progression they’ve made on their faith journey. A special thanks to Mrs Collis and Mrs Hackwill for their beautiful enhancement of the liturgy through music at the Mass.

Project Compassion 2020

A reminder that the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal is now on. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.

Each Classroom at Sts Peter and Paul has a Project Compassion box for their donations or you prefer, you can donate online via the website at https://lent.caritas.org.au/sts-peter-paul-garran.

Harmony Day

A reminder that we have moved our Harmony Day celebration to next week, and we will now celebrate on Monday 23^rd March.

On this day, children are invited to wear orange or cultural dress instead of their uniform to mark this special day. Each class will participate in various activities to celebrate the significance of this day. This will be done in regular class groups, and therefore is not effected by the changes we have implemented as a reaction to  COVID-19.

Sacrament of Reconciliation 2020

Due to the recent announcements regarding COVID-19, we will be postponing the Reconciliation Retreat Day until a more appropriate time. I will endeavour to keep you updated as soon as I receive any information about the Sacrament itself.

Dates for your Diary:

Blessings for the week ahead,

Stephanie Burns

Religious Education Coordinator