GOSPEL REFLECTION - SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

Part of the mystery of Jesus’  Resurrection is that he appeared to his disciples not as a spirit but in bodily form. We do not know exactly what this form was like. Earlier in John’s Gospel, when Mary of Magdala first encountered the risen Jesus, she did not recognize the figure standing before her until Jesus spoke to her. In Luke’s Gospel, the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them. We know from readings such as today's that in his resurrected body, Jesus was no longer bound by space; he appeared to the disciples in spite of the locked door. And yet, on this resurrected body, the disciples could still observe the marks of his Crucifixion.

In this week's Gospel, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun. As Jesus was sent by God, so too does Jesus send his disciples. This continuity with Jesus' own mission is an essential element of the Church. Jesus grants the means to accomplish this mission when he gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit binds us together as a community of faith and strengthens us to bear witness to Jesus' Resurrection.

Jesus' words to his disciples also highlight the integral connection between the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness and reconciliation are gifts to us from Jesus. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can share these with others. This is another essential aspect of what it means to be Christ's Church. The Church continues Jesus’ ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I trust the holidays were a wonderful opportunity for the students to rest and recharge in preparation for another extremely important term of learning at Our Lady Help of Christians.

ANZAC Day each year goes beyond just the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day that we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.

On Monday, students and their families from Our Lady Help of Christians joined with staff to represent our school at the Campbelltown ANZAC Day March and Service. This annual celebration acknowledges our veterans, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. Our school was well represented by students and their families who were able to attend. Despite the inclement weather all our students were exemplary in their behaviour and confidently demonstrated very publicly our important school value of respect. We are grateful for the support of the parents who made the students' attendance possible at this special community commemoration. 

As we begin this term together it is essential that we do so with a positive attitude towards all that the next 10 weeks may hold in store for us.

Over the next few weeks, both Fr Sarkis and I will be involved in Kindergarten enrolment interviews. Conducting these interviews, especially with parents who attend for the enrolment of their first child is a wonderful privilege. In our conversations with families one of the topics touched upon is the motivation behind choosing Our Lady Help of Christians as the school for their child. In outlining the reasons behind their willingness to apply for enrolment at Our Lady Help of Christians, the conversation often centres on the fundamental differences between the choice of a Catholic School, such as Our Lady Help of Christians, and other schools in the area. Our surrounding area is blessed with many quality schools. All strive to be places of quality learning and teaching, and all follow the common curriculum provided by NESA. We are alike in so many ways. The fundamental difference however, is reflected in our Catholic identity. 

Our school actively promotes, teaches and celebrates our Christian faith and our Catholic traditions. Supporting this identity must be a conscious choice that is made by parents seeking a Catholic education. The role of faith formation of children is primarily the responsibility of the parent with support from the school through the teaching of Religious Education and contribution within the wider parish community.

We keep these children and their families in our prayers as they make the important conscious decision of a Catholic education.

Jane Webb 

PRINCIPAL

Strengthening Relationships

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