RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
We recently received wonderful news that one of our students in Year 3 was recently Baptised at St Therese, West Wollongong. Congratulations to Ebony Rogers, our school’s newest Baptised Catholic member! We are so glad that you have made this most blessed sacrament of initiation. May your journey as a young Catholic person be a joyous one, guided by the Holy Spirit. You are in all of our prayers Ebony!
On Monday of this week Year 4 spent the day working and learning in the Living Classroom. The late winter sun was shining brightly which set the tone for an amazing day. With the help of Ms Brighton, the children harvested a fairly ridiculous amount of winter produce, including a few heads of cabbages, a few lettuces, and literally several kilograms of silver beet, rainbow chard and celery, hundreds of bananas and dozens of mandarins. Outside of this, the children fed the fruit trees, where they placed down layers of manure, comfrey, lucerne and straw. This will ensure the fruit trees are happy and healthy and producing an abundance of fruit.
St Maximilian Kolbe: A Lesson in Humanity
Please find below a spiritual reflection on the Feast of St Maximillian Kolbe.
In August the Church celebrates the Feast of St Maximilian Kolbe on the 14th and recognises United Nations World Humanitarian Day on the 19th. The interconnectedness of these days invites us to reflect on their significance.
World Humanitarian Day is a reminder of the countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others, often at great personal sacrifice. One such individual whose legacy continues to inspire is St Maximilian Kolbe, a living example of selflessness, compassion and humanity.
St Maximilian Kolbe's story is testament to the extraordinary power of human empathy and courage. In the midst of the horrors of the Holocaust, Kolbe, a Catholic priest, demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion and solidarity. His ultimate act of sacrifice, offering his own life to save a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz during World War II, stands as a shining example of the heights of human kindness even in the face of unimaginable cruelty. St Maximilian Kolbe's actions exemplify the essence of World Humanitarian Day. This day honours not only the individuals who have dedicated their lives to humanitarian causes but also the spirit of empathy and unity that drives them. It's a day to reflect on the potential within each of us to make a positive impact on those around us.
In a world where conflict and suffering persist, the story of St Maximilian Kolbe resonates deeply. His selfless act underscores the idea that compassion knows no bounds and that even in the darkest moments, humanity has the capacity to shine brilliantly. His willingness to trade his own life for that of a stranger reflects a level of empathy that transcends personal safety and reflects a profound understanding of the inherent value of every life. World Humanitarian Day calls us to reflect on our own role as Catholics. It prompts us to consider how we can contribute to alleviating suffering and promoting human dignity in our own communities and beyond. The legacy of St Maximilian Kolbe invites us to examine our own capacity for sacrifice and selflessness. While not all of us may be faced with the same life-or-death choices, we can all strive to embody the same spirit of compassion in our daily lives.
In commemoration of World Humanitarian Day, let us honour the memory of St Maximilian Kolbe who reminds us of the power of compassion, kindness and upholding dignity of the human person. Let us reaffirm our commitment to being people of hope and empathy. May we recognise that every small act of kindness contributes to a more humane and just world. In reflection…
How do I embody empathy and compassion in my daily interactions with others?
“A single act of love makes the soul return to life.” - St Maximilian Kolbe
All the best,
Mr Sam Mattas
Religious Education Coordinator