Holy Ground ... From the RE Faculty
Celebrating New Life
Next week our current Year 12 students will finally get their Senior Retreat up in Jindabyne. Normally in Term 4 at the beginning of their HSC journey, this retreat is designed to provide students an opportunity to be rejuvenated, to refocus and reconnect with each other as they prepare to begin a new stage of life.
As we get closer to Easter, when Christians celebrate hope in a risen Christ, we can all plan to use the long weekend as our own personal retreat: to be rejuvenated by being in nature; to refocus on the importance of service, especially towards those in need; and to reconnect with family and friends.
The key events in Holy Week exemplify what we hope our Year 12 cohort, and all students, aspire to be.
- Justice advocates - who "wash the feet" of others: demonstrating servant leadership, promoting unity and a sense of gratitude (Eucharist means "Thanksgiving")
- Contemplative - reflecting on our relationship with others, "praying in the garden" and trusting that we are not alone during times of struggle
- Hopeful - the paradox of Good Friday is the essence of the Good News (Gospel): that nobody is perfect and yet God's grace saves us all
- Joyful - like those first disciples to encounter Jesus after his resurrection, sharing their excitement with others and seeing life with a new perspective.
Please consider attending at least one of the Easter services over the long weekend ... You may find that by retreating into a Church and reconnecting with the Parish community, you'll return to the busy-ness of the everyday with a sense of New Life.
Wishing you and your families a peaceful and blessed Easter and rejuvenating holiday break.
