'THE TEARS OF THINGS' BY FR RICHARD ROHR

Earlier this year, my favourite author, and renowned spiritual writer, Fr Richard Rohr, released his new book titled: The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage. To say that I had counted down the days until its release like a child that crosses off each date on their calendar leading up to their birthday would be a gross understatement!

The book is an examination of what wisdom can be learned and gleaned from the prophets in the Hebrew scriptures which be applied to our modern lives as we navigate tumultous socio-political landscapes.

In The Tears of Things, Rohr delves into the profound nature of suffering, the human condition, and the transformative power of embracing our vulnerability. With his trademark contemplative approach, Rohr challenges us to look at our lives with eyes open to the deeper truths that often lie beneath the surface of our experiences.

Rohr’s central thesis is that suffering is not an aberration, but an integral part of the spiritual journey. He invites readers to reconsider the way we view pain and loss—not as something to be avoided, but as an opportunity for deeper transformation. Through the lens of Catholic theology and mystical spirituality, Rohr reflects on how our tears, whether literal or metaphorical, can be vehicles for grace and healing. The title itself, The Tears of Things, evokes the idea that everything in creation is imbued with a divine, though often hidden, meaning.

What sets Rohr apart in this work is his ability to weave together various spiritual traditions, from the contemplative practices of Christian mysticism to Eastern philosophies, creating a unified understanding of suffering and joy. His reflections on the intersection of spirituality and the human experience encourage readers to embrace paradox and live with a sense of sacredness in every moment, especially in moments of hardship.

The book is both a call to deeper self-awareness and an invitation to embrace the complexity of life. Rohr’s writing is accessible yet deeply thought-provoking, filled with insights that invite us to question our assumptions about life, suffering, and God’s presence in our world.

For parents within our St Thomas More’s community, The Tears of Things offers valuable wisdom. Rohr encourages us to embrace life’s challenges as part of a larger, divine narrative; one that holds both sorrow and joy together. As we navigate the complexities of parenting, teaching, and leading, Rohr’s reflections offer a reminder to be present with both our children and ourselves in moments of discomfort and difficulty. This book calls us to cultivate empathy and spiritual depth, teaching our children that it’s not only okay to experience pain but that in these moments, we can grow in compassion, faith, and resilience.

In a world that often seeks to shield us from vulnerability, Rohr reminds us that embracing our tears, whether our own or those of others, can lead to a fuller, more meaningful life. Parents, let us support our children in cultivating this mindset, helping them to see the divine potential in every experience, both joyous and challenging.

Mr Casimir Douglas

Monday 2nd June, 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

SALUTATION

Grace to you and peace.

HEARTS ON FIRE: CELEBRATING PENTECOST TOGETHER

On Tuesday 3rd June, our entire school community gathered at Sacred Heart Church to celebrate Pentecost – the moment in our Christian story when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and the Church was born. It was a joy to witness all 315 students from Prep to Grade 6 reverently engaged in this special Mass, so beautifully led by Fr Vinco Muriyadan.

This year, our Pentecost celebration carried an added depth thanks to a new initiative: whole-school Liturgical Singing. Every fortnight, our students spend 20 minutes on Monday mornings learning and practising hymns so they can participate more confidently and joyfully in Mass. The results of this were on full display – the singing from our students was truly outstanding and filled the church with warmth and unity. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Wahl for her leadership of this beautiful new tradition, and to Mrs Belinda Taylor for her thoughtful organisation of the Mass.

A special highlight of the morning was seeing our Grade 5 students sitting with and supporting our Preps. These young leaders embraced the opportunity to guide their younger peers in what was, for many of them, their first whole-school Mass experience. It was a simple but powerful image of what leadership looks like at St Thomas More’s – gentle, supportive, and grounded in love.

As the final hymn, Hearts on Fire, rang out through Sacred Heart Church, it reminded us that Pentecost is not just a story of long ago. The Holy Spirit is still at work – calling us to live with courage, compassion and purpose. May we, as a school community, continue to set hearts on fire with the joy and hope of Christ.

BRIDGING NOW TO NEXT - NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK BREAKFAST

Last Wednesday morning, our four School Captains, accompanied by Ms Cornish and Mrs Ross, attended the 2025 National Reconciliation Week Breakfast hosted at the Tailrace Centre in Riverside. The event, coordinated by Reconciliation Tasmania, brought together students, educators, community leaders and advocates from across northern Tasmania to reflect on this year’s powerful theme: “Bridging Now to Next.”

The breakfast featured a range of inspiring speakers including Thomas Mayo, respected author, signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and passionate advocate for First Nations justice. He spoke with strength and clarity about the need for continued truth-telling, treaty-making, and the building of genuine relationships rooted in respect. Attendees also heard from Kate Warner, former Governor of Tasmania and co-author of the state’s landmark report on Truth-Telling and Treaty. Both speakers reminded us that reconciliation is not a single step but a lifelong journey.

A standout moment of the morning was the powerful musical performance by DENNI (Madam Pakana), a Tasmanian Aboriginal artist whose lyrics called us to connection, courage, and cultural pride. Her voice carried more than melody — it carried a message of belonging and hope.

Our School Captains were deeply moved by the experience. They returned to school feeling not only informed but emboldened to be bridge-builders—young leaders committed to living out the principles of inclusion, justice and welcome in our own school community. The breakfast reminded us all that we each have a role to play in creating a future built on understanding and unity.

BAND SOIRÉE - SEMESTER ONE!

On Wednesday evening (4th June), Josephite Hall once again came alive with the joyful sounds of brass, woodwind, and percussion as our students took to the stage for the Semester 1 Band Soirée.

St Patrick’s College continues to generously offer a Music Tuition program to Catholic primary schools in Launceston, with visiting tutors supporting our young musicians each week. Whether rehearsing individually or in small groups, our students have steadily honed their skills across the semester—and Wednesday’s performance was a testament to their effort, growth, and enthusiasm for music.

The evening was not only a showcase of musical progress, but also a celebration of community—families, friends, and staff all gathered to enjoy the rhythms and melodies created by our students. For many of them, this was their first time performing live on stage, and they did so with courage, confidence, and pride. Ms Mowat even put me on the spot to play a full cowbell piece for the final song with the Development Band! The pressure was on, but I was ably guided through by my tremendous band mates.

Congratulations to all our musicians on a terrific performance, and thank you to Mrs Fiona Mowat and the team from St Patrick’s College for their continued commitment to fostering music education in our school.

FINAL GREETING

May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

God bless,

Mr Casimir Douglas

Principal

Encouraging reflection on the past and a commitment to building strong, respectful relationships for the future. The week is a time to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation.

In a deeply respectful and engaging session, First Nations students took the lead, reading a cherished Dreamtime story to our kindergarten class. The younger students listened with wide eyes to the tale “How the Birds Got Their Colours”. This moment was not only educational but a chance for cultural pride and leadership to shine.

During National Reconciliation Week, we proudly share the artwork created by our children to reflect on the themes of connection, culture, and respect. Through their eyes and creativity, we see a future built on understanding, inclusion, and truth-telling. These artworks are more than just pictures, they are conversations, expressions of learning, and steps toward a more united Australia.

Looking for a joyful, educational start for your little one? Our Joeys Playgroup at St Thomas More’s Catholic School is the place to be!

✅ FREE sessions for children aged birth to 4!
✅ Fun, learning & play in a school environment!
✅ Run by experienced, accredited educators
✅ Tuesdays 9:00am - 10:30am during term time!

Come along to Josephite Hall and watch your child’s curiosity and confidence grow! Plus, connect with other local families and share in the joy of learning together!

No bookings required — just turn up & have fun!

St Thomas More’s Catholic School
Every Tuesday (School Term)