From the APRIM
Dear Families
Welcome back, I hope you had a restful time with your family. Our holiday was spent doing family things, firstly Christmas. Then, at long last we were able to celebrate our daughter Karina and new son-in-law Scott’s wedding at Sacred Heart Chapel and then the wonderful reception. This was quickly followed by our granddaughter Jasmine’s second birthday. When not having parties, we enjoyed time at home not having to wear work clothes and prepare lunches! I am sure there are many of you who understand that feeling.
Every year brings newness and this year we have already said farewell to Father Santiago who returns to his community, family and homeland in Goa, India. The book we are presenting to him sums up the effect he has had on our parish. Those who have contributed to his book have written of his “prayerful and dedicated heart”, his “deep faith and commitment”, “his wise and guiding hand”, his “faithfulness, gentleness and willingness to do God’s will” and above all, his kindness. God speed, Father San.
Yesterday, we celebrated the beginning of the new year with a liturgy. We were delighted that Father Mwaura was able to be with us. We also welcome Erika Dixon, Lauren Copeland, Julia Morrison, Sheryl Blowes, Reception students and returning and new older students and all their families. So much newness!
You can read more about Fr Mwaura since his 2019 arrival in the following article https://thesoutherncross.org.au/news/2019/10/30/african-priest-ready-to-walk-alongside-sa-parishioners/
Sacrament Program
Information about the program has been sent home from our Parish Pastoral Associate, Bianca Cotton. If you are unsure about aspects, want to know more or are undecided, please come and talk to Bianca or me. Bianca can be contacted via email parishassociate@nativityparish.com.au or 8270 2158 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I can be contacted via email sblack@nativity.catholic.edu.au on 8270 3177 or come and speak to me in person, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. The enrolment day is looming on Tuesday 16 February and we are looking forward to seeing you. For those who have students moving onto secondary school next year, it is worth noting that Sacrament Programs are organised by parishes and are not offered within schools at the secondary level. This year is a good year to participate.
This year’s theme
Our Senior students helped select the theme ‘Choose Love’ for our focus for this year. At our family wedding the beautiful reading from Corinthians was used and it was also a part of yesterday’s liturgy.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Throughout the year we will be looking at ways that we can choose love instead of other paths. It can be challenging but we are up for it!
BECAUSE I ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE, I CHOOSE LOVE
Blessings
Sharyn Black
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission
