Happy Birthday!

Those of you that know me will know how much I LOVE a birthday celebration. And, the birthday of our Church is no different. On the weekend we celebrated Pentecost the birthday of our Catholic Church.

Pentecost is the day that the Church was born. Christ was crucified, rose again, spent forty days with his disciples, and then ascended to heaven. Pentecost immediately followed. For two millennia, Christians have been celebrating the Church's birthday with joy and exuberance. Pentecost takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday. Here's how it all got started.

According to book of Acts, the Church came into being on the day of Pentecost. As

120 worshipers, including the Disciples, were fasting and praying in an upper room in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit descended upon them in a violent rushing wind that was heard throughout the city. Small flames of fire rested upon their heads, and they began to speak in other languages. As crowds came to investigate the commotion, the Apostle Peter spoke to them about Jesus and exhorted them to repent. From the crowd of Jews and converts, 3,000 realized the truth of his words and became followers of Jesus.

There are many Pentecost traditions. In some churches, baptisms are performed throughout the day. Pentecost is also known as Whitsun day, because of the white garments worn by those who are baptized. In most Pentecost services, priests or church officials wear red vestments. Sanctuaries are decorated with banners depicting flames, wind, and doves. Churches in Italy disperse rose petals from the ceiling to symbolize the tongues of fire described in the book of Acts. French churches blow trumpets throughout the service to suggest the Holy Spirit coming with a violent rushing wind. Here at St Benedict's Catholic Primary School our students from Year 3 Black will lead us in prayer at a special morning assembly on Tuesday 10th June at 9:00am.

Feast Day Celebration!

In Week 10 we will celebrate our end of term 3 in a very special way. On THURSDAY 3rd July we will celebrate the feast day of St Benedict - our schools patron saint with a special liturgy presented by 4 Red. St Benedict's actual feast day is on the 11th of July (in the school holidays) hence why we celebrate this special day earlier. 

On FRIDAY 4th July we will remember those less fortunate than ourselves through our Mission Day and Bennie's Got Talent Performance. We will be wearing our PJ's and winter warmers as a reminder that not everyone is as lucky as we are to have such warm clothes. To show our gratitude each student is asked to bring ONE item from the list below depending on what stage they are in at school. Please check the lists and donate accordingly. Early Stage One - Kindergarten,  Stage 1 - Year 1 and Year 2, Stage 2 - Year 3 and Year 4 and Stage 3 - Year 5 and Year 6.

PLEASE ONLY BRING IN YOUR DONATION ON FRIDAY 4th JULY.

LET THE CHILDREN CELEBRATE -

Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope

As we continue to celebrate this Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope, the Maitland Newcastle Diocese have put together an exciting funfilled day of events and activities to share this special time with our students in a way that is relatable to them as children. The organisers are both teachers from our Diocese who are known for sharing their faith through fun and creative ways. The day is being offered free of charge and morning, and afternoon tea is provided, attendees are asked to bring along a packed lunch. Get in quick as I am sure places will fill up fast for this exciting day.

Yours in Faith,

Miss Michelle Collins

(Religious Education Co-ordinator)