Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Lord Jesus,
let my heart never rest until it finds You,
who are its center, its love, and its happiness.
By the wound in Your heart
pardon the sins that I have committed
whether out of malice or out of evil desires.
Place my weak heart in your own divine heart,
continually under your protection and guidance,
so that I may persevere in doing good
and in fleeing evil until my last breath.
Amen.
- Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
June – The Sacred Heart of Jesus
The month of June is dedicated to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a beautiful spiritual practice that centers on the boundless love and mercy of Christ. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun and mystic, once said, "Behold the Heart that has loved men so much, that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming itself, in order to testify its love." This profound quote encapsulates the essence of the Sacred Heart devotion, emphasising the selfless love of Jesus, who willingly gave His life for the salvation of humanity. Pope Pius XI, in his encyclical "Miserentissimus Redemptor (Reparation to the Sacred Heart)," wrote, "For the Sacred Heart is the symbol and image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ, the love which urges us to respond to His love with acts of devotion, reverence, and reparation." In June, as the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, let us pray that we will open our hearts and seek to deepen our relationship with Christ, finding healing, and strength in His compassionate heart.
Year 7 Faith Formation Day
On Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 June our Year 7 students participated in their Year 7 Faith Formation Day. The day was filled with engaging workshops that centered around our College Pillars of Compassion, Learning, Stewardship, and Prayer. Our goal was to inspire and nurture the spiritual growth of our students, and we were honored to have esteemed guests join us in this endeavor.
The day kicked off with the presence of the LIHM Sisters, who led our students in exploring the Pillar of Prayer. Through various activities and discussions, they encouraged our students to deepen their connection with God and cultivate a vibrant prayer life. Their wisdom and guidance left a lasting impact on our young minds.
Another remarkable guest who graced us with his talent was Josh Angrisano. He shared his gift of rapping with our students, demonstrating how he uses his talents to spread the love of God. Through his powerful performance, he inspired our students to discover their own unique gifts and utilise them for a higher purpose.
Ms Matilda Mattar – Social Justice and Service-Learning Leader, shed light on the Pillar of Compassion. Her heartfelt stories and compassionate message encouraged our students to embrace empathy and kindness towards others. Matilda's presence served as a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching out to those in need.
In the Learning workshop, our students had the opportunity to delve into the great work done by St. Vincent de Paul Society (St Vinnies). They learned about the organisation's dedication to helping the less fortunate and how they can contribute to such noble causes. This workshop ignited a sense of social responsibility and a desire to actively participate in acts of service within our community.
Overall, the Year 7 Faith Formation Day was a truly enriching experience for both students and staff. It not only strengthened our students' understanding of our College Pillars but also fostered a deeper connection to their faith.
LIHM Sisters – Sacred Heart of Jesus
During the June devotion on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the LIHM Sisters have accompanied our students exploring the depths of God's love and mercy as exemplified by the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The talk emphasised the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus and how it can positively impact our lives. Following the talk, the students participated in praying decade of the rosary, during which students reflected on mysteries of Jesus love. It has been a truly beautiful sight to witness our students actively participating in this spiritual activity, making time to deepen their understanding of God's boundless love and mercy. We thank the LIHM Sisters for their love and witness that they give to our College community.
Friday 8am Mass
Last Friday was our last Friday 8am Mass for the term. The importance of beginning our day with Holy Mass and spiritual nourishment cannot be overstated. It provides us with a meaningful opportunity to gather as a community, reflect on our faith, and seek solace and guidance in the presence of God.
It has been heartening to witness the enthusiastic participation of both students and staff in these Friday morning Masses. The sight of students, alongside their teachers and other members of our school community, coming together to celebrate Mass has been truly uplifting.
As we look ahead to the next term, I encourage all students and their families to join us for Friday 8am Mass. It is a valuable way to instil a sense of faith and togetherness within our school community. I would like to thank Fr Richard and Fr Joel for their ongoing support in making themselves available to celebrate the Mass with us. Friday 8am Mass will commence in Term 3 on Friday 14 July, at St Catherine of Siena Parish Church. We look forward to your presence and participation as we continue to nurture our faith journey together.
Ablaze Youth Group
Ablaze Youth are having their gathering every Friday at CRCCS Cafeteria/Hall from 6 to 7:30pm. All those in secondary school Years 7-12 are most welcome to join in with like-minded youth. For further enquiries, please contact: stcatherineyg@gmail.com