THE ROAD TO EMMAUS = GOSPEL REFLECTION

I wonder if you have ever had that experience of seeing someone familiar, and just not quite being able to place them. You know you know them from somewhere – but where? 

And what on earth is their name? I suspect it’s an experience we’ve all had, perhaps some of us more frequently than others. Sometimes, it is difficult to place someone when we see them out of context. It may take you a while to work out who they are. I am sure that we have all had experience of this.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus don’t recognise Jesus as He walks with them. We don’t know what they were thinking as they walked – was there something familiar about this stranger? Were they sure they knew him from somewhere, but couldn’t quite put their finger on it? And we don’t know why they didn’t recognise him. Was it simply that they really didn’t expect to see Him? Has his appearance changed in some way? We can only imagine.

Cleopas and the other unnamed disciple still don’t recognise Jesus as they talk with him. This is, perhaps, more surprising. As He asks them questions – Jesus whom they have heard asking questions so many times before, big questions which must have left them pondering – they do not recognise Him in His questioning. And as He teaches them about the scriptures – Jesus whom they have heard teach so many times before, from whom they have learned so much – they do not recognise Him in his teaching.

When they do recognise him, it is another action they have seen him do before: “in the breaking of the bread.” And not only the breaking of the bread, but in the four-fold action of taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing. This, the disciples recognised. Not only from their very recent meal in the Upper Room, but also perhaps from the feeding of the 5,000, and from who knows how many ordinary, everyday meals with Jesus, of which we have no record. 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the commencement of the second term. I hope that the Easter school holiday break provided some time for you to spend with loved ones and share in the joy of Easter.

ANZAC Day each year is a special time to remember those that served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of the ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, sacrifice, bravery, service, mateship and resilience continues to have both meaning and relevance for our national identity.

On Tuesday, OLHC was represented at the annual Campbelltown ANZAC Day March and Service. This annual gathering acknowledges the veterans and those who have served so that we can experience the freedom that we enjoy today. The students were exemplary in their behaviour and very publicly demonstrated our important school value of respect.Thank you to those members of our school community who were able to join with members of the wider community to pause, reflect and remember.

Enjoy some photos of the day.

KINDERGARTEN 2024 INTERVIEWS

As we begin this term together it is essential that we do so with a positive attitude towards all that the next 10 weeks will 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 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 for a Catholic education. Please continue to encourage those seeking enrolment to complete an application form. We are very grateful to parents who recommend our school to friends and family members.

Jane Webb 

Lunch orders are required at the Canteen by 9.00am.  Please write your child's name, class and what they wish to order on a paper bag and enclose the correct money, if possible.  

The Canteen is run by Made Fresh.  Should you have a need to contact the Canteen, please email Maria at "made.fresh@yahoo.com" or telephone 0422 469 489.