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There are several messianic traditions, each one characterising the anointed one of the future in a unique way. Do we expect a prophetic figure who will enter our world and reform the structures of society, or a strong leader who will overturn these structures and establish a new order? Are we waiting for a teacher who will transform our minds and hearts, or a judge who will punish us for our infidelities? Are we expecting someone who will renew the face of the earth, or someone who will come in fire and brimstone to destroy it? What kind of a messiah do we expect? For what kind of a change are we preparing ourselves?
Jesus seems to overturn our expectations. We look for one who will save us from the
predicaments in which we find ourselves, and he comes to us as one who seems to be a victim of his own predicament. God's thinking seems to be the reverse of ours: Those who save their lives, lose them; those who lose their lives, save them; the seed must die before it can bear fruit; Jesus will be killed, but will then be raised from the dead.
Can we claim to understand Jesus? Or are we more like the people in James' community: people who profess faith in Jesus, but who do not live it out; people who speak pleasant words to others, who say the right things, but who do not back up their words with good works? Is our faith really living?
© Dianne Bergant CSA
Dear Families,
Over the weekend some of our students will be receiving their First Eucharist – Holy Communion. According to Australian Catholics, “The word 'communion' means to be united with; Catholics believe that in Holy Communion we are united in a special way with Jesus Christ.
At his last supper, Jesus said of the bread that he shared among his followers, "Take and eat, this is my body". When we receive Holy Communion, Catholics believe that in a mysterious way we are sharing in the body and blood of Christ. Holy Communion and the whole celebration is also known as Eucharist, from a Greek word meaning thanksgiving.
Our children do often wonder how is Holy Communion sharing in the body of Christ, Pope Benedict XVI, (2006) provides a good answer.
"In preparing me for my First Communion day, my catechist told me that Jesus is present in the Eucharist. But how? I can't see him!"
Benedict XVI: No, we cannot see him, but there are many things that we do not see but they exist and are essential. For example: we do not see our reason, yet we have reason. We do not see our intelligence and we have it. In a word: we do not see our soul and yet it exists and we see its effects, because we can speak, think and make decisions, etc. Nor do we see an electric current, for example, yet we see that it exists; we see this microphone, that it is working, and we see lights. Therefore, we do not see the very deepest things, those that really sustain life and the world, but we can see and feel their effects. This is also true for electricity; we do not see the electric current but we see the light.
So it is with the Risen Lord: We do not see him with our eyes but we see that wherever Jesus is, people change, they improve. A greater capacity for peace, for reconciliation, etc., is created. Therefore, we do not see the Lord himself but we see
the effects of the Lord: So we can understand that Jesus is present. And as I said, it is precisely the invisible things that are the most profound, the most important. So let us go to meet this invisible but powerful Lord who helps us to live well.
(Reference -https://www.catholicaustralia.com.au/)
We have parent/teacher interviews next week; this is an opportunity for you to find out your child’s progress for the year and to ensure that when you receive your child’s report at the end of the year there are no surprises. If you haven’t made a time yet with your child’s teacher, please contact our office.
Last week as part of our MJR program our student leaders placed a Spirit of Jesus board up in our school. The purpose of this is for our students to notice and celebrate people in their lives who show the Spirit of Jesus. The first person selected by our students is Mr Rik. Mr Rik is always around to help and always helps with a smile. He truly shows the Spirit of Jesus.
On Tuesday I was lucky enough to join our girls’ Futsal Teams who played in the State Championships. Our teams with students from G3 to G6 were up against the Collegiate G5 and G6 teams. Over the games played we witnessed a huge growth in our teams, to the point where the playoffs were very close games, with our girls only just losing. I wish to also commend the attitude of our girls which was outstanding. A big thank you to our two coaches, Mr Stacey and Mr Smith, your encouragement and coaching of these students did result in a huge lift their games.
Unfortunately, there are a few people at our Campbell Street pick up, who sometimes park in in the ‘No Parking’ zone, creating a backlog of cars up over the crossing. I am sure no parent or grandparent wishes to see a child hurt; however, by parking in this zone it increases the risk of someone being injured on our road. If you need to park, there is plenty of street parking outside of this zone, and if your child is not at the gate when you arrive, leave the pickup zone, drive around the block and return, this will keep our traffic flowing. We are also blocking access to the staff carpark between 2:45pm and 3:15pm, this is because many families wait on the footpath near the entrance to the carpark and we feel the movement of vehicles during this time increases risk. If we all follow these procedures it will keep traffic flowing and decrease the risk of an accident occurring.
Our Fair Committee would like to invite families and business, if they can, to provide a donation for the upcoming Family Fiesta. If you can provide a donation, please contact our office. Also, our P&F are looking for new members. The Members of the group are very welcoming and friendly and do a fantastic job supporting our school. If you are able to spare one evening a month and wish to be actively involved in our school, please consider joining the P&F. For more information contact our office.
Have a great week.
Shayne Kidd
PRINCIPAL
10 September 2021
Congratulations to Gemma, Zander, Quinn, Edison, Jarvis and Imogen, who have received 25 stickers in there Student Acknowledgement booklets. These stickers are given to students displaying positive and respectful behaviour in the playground. They are a great role model for others. Well done!
What a busy few weeks we have had at St Thomas More's! Please enjoy a few photos of some special moments recently:
Confirmation night:
Fathers Day breakfast:
State Touch Football Representatives!
Congratulations to students Alexis Harmey, Macie Petterwood and Molly Hawes, who have been selected to represent Tasmania in the 12U State Touch Football team to compete at the National Youth Championships on the Sunshine Coast in September. Congratulations girls!
The Band and Strings Soiree's are coming up soon! Students in each program would have received the following notices - ask them to check the instrument cases :)
Notification if not returning to STM in 2022
As we begin the end of year preparations, please inform the office if you are not intending to continue at STM. As per terms and conditions of your enrolment, we do require 10 weeks notice before the end of the school year.
Please contact the office on 03 6337 7200 or stm@catholic.tas.edu.au if you have any queries.
System-wide Manager: People Services advert
Please find attached an advert for the position of System-wide Manager: People Services. For enquiries, please contact Alayne Baker, details attached.
Attached is this week’s Launceston Parish bulletin. Regards,
God bless,
Fr Mark Freeman