Ministry and Evangelisation

St Paul’s Feast Day Celebrations

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Monday, 29 June, marked the Feast Day of our patron saint, Saint Paul.  Our community commemorated one of the most influential of all saints, whose writings can be found in the Canon of the Bible.  St Paul is known for his work in the growth and development of the early church, as well as his martyrdom.  Our Feast Day celebrations were different from previous years, with our College celebrating as a community within individual Pastoral Care Groups.  This provided the perfect opportunity for more students to become involved in the liturgy and personalise the service with their own prayers and intentions.  The afternoon saw a whole school trivia via Zoom and other games held within PCs. 

Accendere

‘And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.’   John 13: 34-35. 

This week, eight CSYMA students joined the YMOs in leading the Accendere Retreat at St Joseph's.  Billy Barnett, Harry Burns, Sancia Crotty, Dana Dyet, Ronan O’Loughlin, Sienna Moore and Tiana Rowe facilitated Year 4 students in activities and conversations surrounding friendship, being a good neighbour and compassion.  The theme was reinforced with examples of how Jesus was a perfect friend and neighbour to all. It was an enjoyable day for all involved!  I would like to thank Calissa, Darcy and Mrs Erin McGovern for all their hard work in facilitating and organising this event.

Vinnies Winter Appeal

Each year our College supports the Vinnies Winter Appeal.  The St Paul’s Community always unites to provide support for those in need.  Once again, we are calling on the generosity of our community.  Vinnies play a vital role in supporting our community, and it is lovely to help contribute to their mission.  As the nights become colder, we are appealing for donations of winter woolies (jumpers, hats, sleeping bags, blankets etc).  Mr Edwards, along with a group of Year 10 students, is helping in this endeavour, by collecting donations from Pastoral Care Groups.  We thank you for your continued support and generosity. 

Praying with Music

In a time of uncertainty, I invite you to reflect on a message of hope.  The Blessing Australia, is an ecumenical version of the earlier edition of ‘The Blessing’. It highlights that Jesus is always with us in times of need and is a heart-warming blessing over our nation. 

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Young Adult Formation - Aspire

Aspire, is a faith formation for young adults held by Bishop Gregory Homeming. This week saw young adults across the diocese gather via video link to hear Bishop Greg unravel the mystery of the relationship of the Holy Trinity.  All young adults (even beyond the St Paul’s and Macleay Parish community) are most welcome to attend future events.  Please contact me at the College for more information.  It was a spiritually enriching experience and I look forward to the next session. 

YMO Happenings

Our Youth Ministry Officers (YMOs), Calissa and Darcy, have been doing incredible things, as always: 

  • REACH, our lunchtime youth group has continued to flourish this term. The theme over the last fortnight has been “Ask, Seek, Knock” derived from the scripture Matthew 7:7-12. Students engaged with what it means to pray and how to seek answers.
  • I encourage you to look at the REACH instagram account (@reach_kmc) where Calissa and Darcy upload weekly Gospel reflections and challenges. 
  • Our YMOs have been very busy attending Wildfire Experience at St Joseph’s and Dorrigo, Accendere retreat and working with the CSYMA classes. 

Sunday Mass Update

As restrictions are being eased, Fr James has generously scheduled some additional weekend Masses, to enable as many people to be able to attend as possible!  

Please contact the Parish Office or see the Parish Facebook page for more details about how to go about attending one of these Masses. 

For the time being, weekend Mass times will be as follows:

  • Saturday 9.30 am – South West Rocks
  • Saturday VIGIL 6 pm – Kempsey
  • Sunday 7.30 am – South West Rocks
  • Sunday 9.30 am – Kempsey
  • Sunday 11 am – Kempsey

Please contact me if you have any questions about, or ideas for, ministry and evangelisation at the College.

God Bless!

Ms Megan Henry - Acting Leader of School Evangelisation

megan.henry@lism.catholic.edu.au