The Beatitudes. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.

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1 St Joseph s School 50 Kelvin Street Timaru 16 November 2011 TERM 4, 2011 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWSLETTER The Beatitudes Blessed are you who are poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, For you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven. Luke 6:20-24

2 Page 2 We extend a warm welcome to families new to our school/parish community. CLASS PROGRAMMES Room Strand Title Liturgical Year Mary 1 Prayer Module Imaginative Prayer Karakia and Meditation Communion of Saints Te Kotahitanga O Te Hunga Tapu 2 Saints are Inspiring People Life, Death and Christian Hope Choices Saints are Inspiring People Mary Choices Life, Death and Christian Hope All Saints, All souls Advent and Christmas CLASS MASSES WITH THE PARISH AT ST THOMAS CHURCH The class masses are cancelled this term because of our very abbreviated term. Sunday 13 November Confirmation HAPPENINGS Week 4 Social Justice Focus Friday 25 November Year 8 Retreat Thursday 1 December Food Drive Friday 2 December Mufti Day Friday 9 December School Mass Confirmation On Sunday 13 November at St Thomas Church, 21 of our Year 8 students were presented to Bishop Barry Jones as candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation they received the Holy Spirit and became adult members of the Catholic Church. We congratulate these young adults and support them with our prayers.

3 Page 3 Social Justice During Weeks 4 and 5 of this term, classes will focus on SOCIAL JUSTICE. The theme for 2011 is Fair Play and the Common Good The teaching material (prepared by CARITAS) invites teachers and students to consider inequality in the light of Catholic social teaching principles, particularly justice and the common good. Students will be guided to make links to the Gospel values of compassion, empathy and the importance of striving for the common good in order to achieve a more equal society. Students will be encouraged to decide on some form of SOCIAL ACTION as a result of this study. This may involve visiting the elderly or some aspect of service. Class teachers will inform you of your child s/children s involvement. Information about the principles of Catholic social teaching is attached. Year 8 Retreat On Friday 25 November the Year 8 students will participate in a retreat day at Parish Centre, facilitated by members of the Catholic Youth Team from Christchurch. We pray that as these young adults prepare to move on and reach out, they are guided by a deep love for and trust in God, a close relationship with Jesus and the on-going support and strength of the Holy Spirit. Food Drive In keeping with a St Joseph s School tradition, the Young Vinnies will conduct a food drive, commencing on Thursday 1 December. Students are asked to bring non-perishable food items over the 7 days leading up to the End of Year Mass. This food is collected by the Young Vinnies and taken to the altar as part of the Offertory Procession at the End of Year Mass. This is a great opportunity to do something about the inequalities in our community. Change the Present Change a Future The above is the slogan for an Oxfam aid initiative through which we can give a unique gift which makes a difference. a pamphlet outlining options is available at the school office. Please visit or phone to be part of Oxfam s work which can help all people live a life of hope and opportunity. Catholic Special Character Questionnaire Thank you to those who completed and returned the above questionnaire. Mrs Brosnahan-Pye is collating parent, student and staff responses to inform strategic planning. Your contribution to this is valued.

4 Page 4 Please find attached for your information and reflection - Communion of Saints Advent On a Level Playing Field We ask God to bless us abundantly with: His divine grace. Happiness and good health. Peace and good fortune. His strength and power. Joy, love and laughter. Many good friends. All good things. Amen God Bless Trish McCambridge Director of Religious Studies PARISH CONTACTS Parish Office: 12 Mountainview Road, Timaru Parish Phone: (all general enquiries) Presbytery Address: 22 Mountainview Road, Timaru Presbytery Phone: (emergency after hours number) Parish timarunorthparish@xtra.co.nz

5 Advent The Advent season is a time of expectation and anticipation as we prepare for the great celebration of the birth of Jesus. Sadly, for some, this season becomes no more than a preparation time, with the joy and excitement of Christmas overshadowing this lovely time of reflection and prayer. The word Advent means coming (from the Latin Adventus) and this is the time we wait in joyful anticipation for our God to come, yet again, to come and be born in our hearts. The season of Advent recognises the coming of Jesus, the Son of God, in a special way. God s son became one of us and one with us, to share our humanity fully and completely. But that is not the only way God comes to us and participates in our lives. God constantly invites us to partnership, to communion, to oneness. Our God is an intimate god, one who desires relationship and connectedness with each and every part of this wonderful creation. The challenge always, is to remember that our God is constantly with us, close to us, within and beside, above and beyond. Our God is a God of intimacy whose very nature is communion and connectedness. What we sometimes fail to remember is that God will often choose strange ways, difficult times or unusual people through which and through whom to come to us, connect with us and be in communion with us. This Advent, the focus is on the many and varied ways in which our God acts in our lives, in our church and in our world. Our god is an unexpected God. The way God encounters us and is revealed to us often occurs in extraordinary and totally unexpected ways. This unexpectedness is the focus for prayer and reflection this Advent. God reveals God s Self to the world in a myriad of ways. This Advent we are reminded that our God is a God of Surprises, and an unexpected God who comes to us at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. The people God often chooses as prophets and spokespersons are not the ones we might have chosen! God often seeks out the simple one, the lost one, the different one or the strange one to proclaim the Good News. This Advent we are challenged to be open to the unexpected and ready for a few surprises! That is not always easy. The familiar is always more comfortable than the unfamiliar. God will not be boxed or labelled or assumed. God will be God and come to us and be amongst us in ways that we least expect.

6 On a LEVEL playing field Catholic Social Teaching The Common Good When decisions are made by communities and governments they have to be the best ones for everyone concerned. The common good respects the rights and responsibilities of all people. Human Dignity Every person is created in the image of God and is worthy or respect. Respect for Human Life Human life at every stage is precious and worthy of respect and protection. Human Equality Everyone is equal regardless of anything else. Discrimination is not in God s plan. Preferential Protection for the Poor The needs of the poor and vulnerable must be put first, especially when communities and governments make decisions. Solidarity We are all one human family and are responsible for one another, wherever in the world we may be. Universal Destination of Goods The earth and everything in it is for everyone. When people have more than they need, it is good to willingly share with people who have too little to live on. Association People become fully human by being with others. Being with family and friends encourages growth. Participation Everyone has the right to be involved in things like schooling, work and politics. Stewardship We have to look after the gifts God has given us, including the environment, our talents, our health, and other resources such as food sources.