The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of Christian initiation.
Confirmation completes Baptism, by which in the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
We are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus, and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely.
The Sacrament of Confirmation consists of the renewal of baptismal promises and the laying on of hands and anointing with the oil of Chrism. The anointing of the candidate is a sign of confirming the gift of the Spirit, and calling the candidates to use these gifts to become involved in the life and mission of the community.
The bishop places his hands on the head of the candidates and prays for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
This ritualises the connection to Baptism and the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in our vocation to follow the way of Jesus
Anointing with Oil
The anointing of the candidate at Confirmation recognises that they are sealed with the Holy Spirit.
The bishop anoints the candidate’s forehead with the Oil of Chrism, saying ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’.
Sign of Peace
At the end of the rite, the bishop puts his hand on the side of the candidate’s face and says ‘Peace be with you’ and the candidate replies with ‘And with your spirit’, symbolising the candidate’s place within the Church community.
What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The Gift of Wisdom is our ability to value spiritual things over worldly ones. It
enables us to desire the things of God and correctly order the things in our
life. This gift helps us view the world through God’s perspective and the light
of our faith. It instils a desire to contemplate the things of God. In simple terms,
WISDOM is the ability to see
God in everyone and everything everywhere.
The Gift
of Understanding helps us grasp the truths of
the faith more easily and profoundly. We cannot grasp all of God’s mysteries,
but through the gift of understanding we can be lead to truth, even when we do
not fully comprehend. This gift strengthens our insight through prayer,
scripture, and the sacraments. Understanding is the ability to comprehend that we
are followers of Christ.
The Gift
of Counsel acknowledges the difference
between right and wrong and bestows proper judgement. A person with right
judgement avoids sin and leads a life for Christ. Counsel inspires us to speak
up and encourage others to do the correct thing. The gift of Counsel is the
ability to know right from wrong and to choose to do what is right.
The Gift
of Fortitude sustains our decision to follow the will of God in any
situation. It allows us to stand up and defend our faith, even when threatened.
This gift allows us to be steadfast in our decisions to do well and to endure
evil even when we do not want to. The gift of Fortitude is The ability to
overcome our fear and to stand up for what is right in the eyes of God.
The Gift
of Knowledge is awareness of God’s plan. It is not
simply an accumulation of facts, but rather an understanding of God’s purpose
and how we ought to respond. Knowledge helps bring to light the temptations
that we face, and to discern whether to give in or live a life worthy of God’s
approval. Knowledge is the ability to understand the meaning of God.
The Gift
of Piety or reverence is our obedience to God and our
willingness to serve him. It is not just obedience through a sense of duty or
obligation, but rather obedience out of love and devotion. It facilitates a
deeper respect and honour for God and His Church. Piety is the ability to have
deep respect for God and the church.
The Gift
of Fear of the Lord makes us aware of how we dread sin and
fear offending God. We fear displeasing God and losing our connection with him
because of our love for Him. Wonder and awe increases our desire to draw closer
to God and depart from sin. Fear of the Lord is the ability to be aware the God
is all-powerful, all-loving, all-perfect.
We keep all of our students here at St.Mary's Primary School in our prayers as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Welcome to the MJR Blog for Term 2, Week 7. In Term 1, SMPS was amazing in supporting Caritas raising over $900 to support those in need. This term we are working towards supporting the local St. Vincent de Paul Society.
This term we are participating in Pyjama Day at school on Friday, Week 10, 30th June. Although this is a very fun and exciting day, it allows us to reflect on the how grateful we are to have warm clothes and items during Winter.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL
Was born in France in 1581. He became a priest at the age of 20.
At first, he was given an important position as the teacher of rich children, and he lived rather comfortably. But while he was traveling by sea from one city to another, he fell into the hands of Turkish pirates who sold him as a slave. Two years later he was finally set free.
He focused the majority of his work on helping the poor. Father Vincent realised how badly the poor people of France needed spiritual help. When he began to preach to them, crowds went to confession. He finally decided to start a congregation of priests to work especially among the poor.Video Clip
Week 7- What is the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Who is it's Founder?
As a class view and discuss the 'Our Story' section of the Vinnies Website
Explore social justice. What does Social Justice mean? Where is it evident in our local community and at SMPS?
View Kid President Clip and relate to social justice- CLIP
Week 8- Mission and Vision
As a class view and discuss the Mission and Vision pf St. Vincent de Paul: link
The St Vincent de Paul Society logo is used in many countries and is recognised everywhere as a symbol of hope and goodwill. The logo has three components: the hands symbol, the text and the slogan.
The hands signify:
The text:
The slogan:
Week 9 & 10- Catholic Social Teachings
Catholic Social Teaching covers all spheres of life – the economic, political, personal and spiritual.
With human dignity at its centre, a holistic approach to development founded on the principles of CST, is what Pope Paul VI called ‘authentic development’. Explore the Catholic Social Teaching principles and how they guide the work of Caritas Australia.
As a class explore each of the Social Teachings in depth: all links Week 9- Preferential option for the Poor Dignity of the Human Person Stewardship of Creation Week 10- Subsidiarity and Participation The Common Good Solidarity
This year as we celebrate Lent, we reflect on the stories of six people and communities and how lives can be transformed when we follow Jesus' instruction to "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).
As a class please take some time to reflect on some words from Pope Francis:
“To love God and neighbour is not something abstract, but profoundly concrete: it means
seeing in every person the face of the Lord to be served, to serve him concretely.
And you are, dear brothers and sisters, the face of Jesus” – Pope Francis, 2013.
Week 6- Love Your Neighbour
As a class watch the following clip:
1. What made Dinia’s life
challenging?
2. What helped make life better for
Dinia and her family?
3. How did Caritas Australia and
their partner SPACFI contribute?
4. Who showed love for their
neighbour in Dinia’s story? How?
5. What did Dinia share? Why did
she do this?
6. What is one fact you learnt
about life for some people in the
Philippines?
Explore the interactive information and activities on the following links according to each stage: K-2 3-4 5-6
Optional Word Search
Week 7- A Shared Responsibility
Martina lives in Timor-Leste,
one of Australia’s closest
neighbours.
Timor-Leste suffered a war
with Indonesia between 1975
and 1999. During the war, many
things were destroyed like
housing, schools, water and
electricity systems. It is one of
the world’s newest democracies
but one of the world’s poorest
countries. About 40% of the
population lives on less than
$1.90 a day. As a class watch Martina's story:
1. What made Martina’s life
challenging?
2. What helped make things better
for Martina and her family?
3. How did Caritas Australia
contribute?
4. Who showed love for their
neighbour in Martina’s story?
How?
5. What is one fact you learnt about
life for some people in Timor Leste?
Catholic Social Teaching Principle
Explore the interactive information and activities on the following links according to each stage:
-Write or draw three ways we can show respect for one another?
-Use Google Maps to find out:
• location of Timor-Leste in relation
to Australia
• capital city
• a country to the east of
Timor-Leste
• a country to the west of
Timor-Leste
Join in Prayer:
Timor-Leste
For our sisters and brothers throughout
the world who are journeying away
from violence to lives of hope and
promise: That justice may be showered
on them and that their human dignity
may be assured by their welcome and
participation in the community.
We Pray as One.
For our global community: That those
with power and wealth may take
seriously the call of the Church this Lent
and place themselves at the service of
all in need.
We Pray as One.
Week 8- Hearing Our Stories
Most children have spent time
away from their family. Even if
it’s just a sleepover. Perhaps
it was for a longer time?
Time with your grandparents
perhaps?
Did you miss your family?
Just imagine how you would
feel if you were taken away
from your family. Taken away
from a happy family with a
mum and dad who loved and
cared for you. Taken away with
your sisters and brothers. As a class watch Uncle Richard's story:
1. What made Uncle Richard’s life
challenging?
2. What caused positive changes in
his life?
3. How did Caritas Australia
contribute?
4. Who showed love for their
neighbour in this story? How?
5. What is one fact you learnt about
life for First Australians?
Explore the interactive information and activities on the following links according to each stage:
Activity Ideas: Follow this steps to complete Uncle Richard's line drawings: Open the following link and scroll to page 20. Under the title 'Fundraising Idea' opening the link that introduces the line drawings. Download and work through with the students. LINK
Prayer:
For the First Australians, who have
suffered indignity at the hands of those
who colonised their societies: That all
Australians may commit to justice and
right relationships and embrace the
richness to be found in recognising that
we all belong to this great south land of
the Holy Spirit.
We Pray as One.
For our land, Australia: That, like Jesus
in his encounter with the woman at
the well, we may see the lives of our
Indigenous brothers and sisters as part
of the life-giving grace of the Spirit.
May they, with their voices heard and
their gifts encouraged, become signs of
justice and goodness in the world today.
We Pray as One.
FRIDAY 17th March is St. Patrick's Day. All students will wear green and bring a gold coin donation. All proceeds are going to support Project Compassion and Caritas. Please give generously this week to help support those in need.
Week 9- A Caring Community
Are you good at some things but
not so good at others? Everybody
is. We all have abilities and
disabilities.
Some children have greater
challenges than others. Some
children are in wheelchairs. Some
are unable to learn very easily. We
are lucky that our communities
and classrooms are becoming
more inclusive. We learn together,
sing together, play together and
laugh together.
As a class watch Nguyet's story:
1. What made Nguyet’s life
challenging? 2. What helped make things better
for Nguyet and her family? 3. How did Caritas Australia and
their partner CRS contribute? 4. Who showed love for their
neighbour in Nguyet’s story?
How? 5. What did Nguyet’s neighbour
Qunyh share? Why? 6. What is one fact you learnt
about life for some people with
disabilities in Vietnam?
Explore the interactive information and activities on the following links according to each stage:
* Look at the photo collage
(on the Interactive Workbook
Thinglink) and discuss:
1. What can you see in the photos?
2. What are the people doing?
3. What is similar to your life?
What is different?
4. What do you wonder?
* Create paper flowers and decorate your classroom in recognition of the Vietnamese paper flower making tradition
Prayer:
For our sisters and brothers throughout
the world who face discrimination and
are prevented from reaching their full
potential: May the love and support of
family and community sustain them as
they participate fully in decisions that
affect them.
We Pray as One
For our community of nations: That
basic rights and respect for all peoples
may be established and become
effective in all nations and states.
We Pray as One
Week 10- Stronger Together
Fiji is a beautiful island in the
Pacific Ocean. We often see
pictures of Fijians wearing grass
skirts and flowers singing and
dancing. They are generally
depicted as happy, smiling
people.
As a class watch Semiti's story:
1. What made Semiti’s life
challenging?What caused positive
changes in Semiti’s life?
2. How did Caritas Australia
contribute? How did Caritas
Australia’s partner PCN
contribute?
3. Who demonstrated love for their
neighbour in this story? How?
4. What does the PCN do?
5. What is one fact you learnt about
life for some people in Fiji?
6. How are any of the issues raised
in Semiti’s story relevant to
Australia?
Explore the interactive information and activities on the following links according to each stage:
* Research key facts about Fiji and compare to Australia including population, religion, climate, housing, poverty and injustice
* Complete 'I am grateful...' statements and reflect on the word GRATITUDE
Prayer:
For our brothers and sisters throughout
the world who are pushed to the
edges of society and whose value and
potential are not recognised: That their
silent voices may be raised in hope.
We Pray as One.
For our school community: That we
may respond to the call of Jesus to
‘come forth’ and be recognised as
people of freedom whose actions
reflect the love and compassion of
Jesus.
We Pray as One.
Week 11- Our Common Home, Our Future
People all across the world are
concerned about changing climate
patterns. Rising sea levels, floods,
too little rain, hot summers and
bushfires concern us all. Caritas
Australia works together with
vulnerable communities around
the world as together they try to
lessen the effects of changing
weather patterns.
As a class watch Aloma's story:
1. What made Aloma’s life
challenging?
2. What helped make things better
for Aloma and her family?
3. How did Caritas Australia
contribute?
4. How did Caritas Australia’s
partner SPACFI contribute?
5. Who showed love for their
neighbour in this story? How?
6. What is one fact you learnt
about life for some people in the
Philippines?
Explore the interactive information and activities on the following links according to each stage:
Hearts for Climate: What do you love most about our
planet? Write and send a ‘Heart for
Climate’. Send a clear message
to our Prime Minister that, out
of love and compassion, you are
asking for strong climate action
by the government. Display them
somewhere in your school. -Download and use the template
in the ‘Hearts for Climate’
schools kit- follow the link on page 28- LINK
Prayer:
For our sisters and brothers throughout
the world whose homes and livelihoods
are in jeopardy from environmental
destruction: That world leaders may
put people before profit and work
to distribute and sustain the earth’s
resources for the good of all.
We Pray as One.
For our World Community: That we may
work together to love and care for our
common home.
We Pray as One.
CLASSROOM PRAYER AND REFLECTION
God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in time of war. We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation: As a class participate in a guided meditation whilst listening to this reflective music to show respect, give thanks and pray for the many men and women that fought to protect our country.
Key Discussion Questions:
What does ANZAC stand for? '
ANZAC' stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day.
When is ANZAC Day and why is this day/date so special?
Anzac Day occurs on 25 April. It commemorates all Australian and New Zealanders killed in war and also honours returned servicemen and women. The date itself marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.
Why is the POPPY a significant flower associated with ANZAC and Remembrance? The poppy has a long association with Remembrance Day. ... Once the conflict was over the poppy was one of the only plants to grow on the otherwise barren battlefields. The significance of the poppy as a lasting memorial symbol to the fallen was realised by the Canadian surgeon John McCrae in his poem In Flanders Fields.
