Religious Education and Catholic Identity Update
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!
You may be asking yourself why I am wishing you a happy Easter now that Easter seems like a distant memory. The answer is this; we are still very much within the season of Easter as the Easter season does not end after Easter Sunday. The special and joyful season of Easter continues for 50 days through until Pentecost Sunday.
In the Easter season we will hear of the Risen Jesus appearing to his disciples. Those
appearances of Jesus convey to his weak and failed disciples forgiveness, acceptance and love. As Catholics in the world of today we are called to witness to the values of the Gospel in an increasingly secular and challenging environment. It takes courage and commitment to be faithful to the values of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church in the world today. When we fail, as we can do in our discipleship, let us recall the appearances of the Risen Jesus to his disciples.
As we look towards Pentecost the Easter Scripture readings will tell us that faithfulness in discipleship is only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. This time of Easter reminds us of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we have received, and that it is only with the power of the Holy Spirit that we can be disciples of Jesus Christ.
A prayer to share:
Loving God,
We thank you for the gift of families.
We ask your blessing on all families today and always.
Be with us in our daily life together.
Be our guide in times of challenge.
Be our strength in times of difficulty.
Be our joy in times of delight.
Help our families to grow stronger in your love
and show us how to love one another
as you have loved us.
May we welcome Jesus as the unseen guest in our home.
May we be His voice and hands,
respecting and caring for those we meet.
May we look to the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
as we strive to be the best family that we can be.
Most Holy Family of Nazareth, pray for us. Amen.
Yours in faith,
Miss Michelle Collins
(Religious Education Co-ordinator)
