Religions Education Matters
Angelus Prayer
Throughout the first few weeks of this term, the students have been learning about the Angelus Prayer. The Angelus prayer is a centuries-old Catholic devotion that commemorates the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive Jesus.
Typically recited three times a day — morning, noon, and evening — it holds particular significance at noon. At this hour, believers pause from their daily activities to reflect on the mystery of the incarnation and to honour the moment when Mary agreed to become the mother of Jesus.
From next week, as a school community, at noon each day we will recite the Angelus prayer. It will be a special time to have a spiritual pause in our day and allow us to recenter our focus on God’s presence amidst the busyness of life.
Religious Creative Arts Competition
Back again this year, bigger than ever is the Religious Creative Arts Competition.
In 2024 the theme is one of the CSBB core values,
JOY. “May the God of hope fill you with joy” (Romans 15:13)
The Religious Creative Arts Competition is a well-established event at Catholic Schools Broken Bay and has been running for the past 10 years. Many talented artists over the years have been recognised for their skill and creativity.
The ‘Religious Creative Arts Competition’ includes 5 categories:
- visual arts
- dance
- drama
- music
- short film
Students will need to plan, prepare and work on their creative pieces during Term 2 and 3.
Submissions will need to be handed in to schools by Aug 16th, Week 4 of Term 3.
School Finalists’ visual art works are due to Caroline Chisholm Centre by August 30th.
Local judging will take place followed by a selection of finalists. These finalists will then be featured at the ‘Showcase Night’ to be held at the Hornsby RSL at 5:30pm on Wednesday, 13 November 2024.
The Showcase night will feature a visual art display, plus screenings of selected short films and selected performances by finalists in dance, drama and music.
All age group category winners will receive a prize and a Bishop’s choice award will be presented on the night to one recipient. (See details below)
Student finalists will have the opportunity to perform alongside industry professionals during the showcase concert.
One of the key elements of the competition is how students demonstrate their understanding of and connection to the religious theme. In 2024 the theme is one of the CSBB core values, JOY. “May the God of hope fill you with joy.” (Romans 15:13)
Students will be required to link their creative piece directly to the religious theme by answering the question; How is this theme lived out or demonstrated today? As well as creating an artwork, short film, dance, drama or music piece, students will need to write a 150-word explanation (maximum word count 150wds) to accompany their artwork. Students can use the 150 words to outline how their artwork connects with the theme.
The 2024 Religious Creative Arts Competition is open to all CSBB school students from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Last year, we did have a highly commended and this year I am hoping to make this even better.
If you have any questions and would like to work on this from home, please get in touch with me and I can help you on the journey.
Parish news
First Communion
This week sees the beginning of the First Eucharist (Communion) program for our year 4 children and above. Preparation classes begin this weekend. Families are asked to book in using the link on the parish website Sacraments – 2023/2024 Sacramental Program (ffcp.org.au) This is a wonderful time for the children and we ask that the community pray for the children and their families as they prepare for this special sacrament.
Please Note the changes to weekend mass times beginning 1st June
From the weekend of 1st /2nd June the new official Parish Mass Weekend Times will be
St Anthony in the Field
- 9:00am Sunday Mass
St Martin de Porres Davidson
- 5:00pm Saturday Vigil Mass
- 8:30am Sunday Mass
OLGC Forestville
- 5:30pm Saturday Vigil Mass
- 10am Sunday Mass
- 6pm Sunday Mass
PARISH FAMILY MASS
We are all excited heading into our next Family Mass.
To celebrate our senior students, we have decided to have our Family Mass at the 5:30pm Saturday vigil Mass at OLGC. This will be a special mass with Mrs Webster and the choir providing the music.
To celebrate we will have a BBQ sausage sizzle after mass to enjoy the evening.
All families from every grade are warmly invited. Please feel invited and come and celebrate with us.
To assist us with preparing the mass and catering the sausage sizzle could you please complete this form via the link https://forms.office.com/r/sWRFdhg9C or us the QR code or email susanne.bragge@dbb.catholic.edu.au
Senior’s Teachers, Mrs Brannan, Miss Houston and Susanne Bragge
Prime Youth Group
Please look out for information on our next event.
Our parish website is full of all the wonderful things happening in our parish and I encourage all families to have a look at the website for the latest details and information. The parish website is Parish Home Site (ffcp.org.au)
Parent engagement news
Please look out for an invitation to an afternoon tea with conversation around the Northern Beaches Diocesan Churches Discernment discussion. This will be a chance to have a say in what is to happen in the future of our churches on the Northen Beaches.
Below are the details that were sent out today regarding the Vinnie’s Winter Appeal. Any support you can offer would be appreciated.
Susanne Bragge
Parent Engagement Coordinator
OLGC Forestville (Wed & Thurs) susanne.bragge@dbb.catholic.edu.au
Allison Houston
Religious Education Coordinator