Religious Education News: Term 2, Week 3

Habemus Papam! We have a Pope!

 It was my great privilege to announce to the Year 5s while we were away last week on Camp that the Conclave of Cardinals had seen fit to elect Pope Leo XIV as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Holy Catholic Church! Across the school, our students have been learning a bit about the process of the conclave, and what the Pope does for the Church. Now we join with them in welcoming our new Pope and praying for his success and that he will continue in the footsteps of Pope Francis to make the Church a place for “Everyone, everyone, everyone!”.

 Part of the process of making the Church a space for ‘Everyone, everyone, everyone’ is by welcoming new members. This is a critical aspect of the faith, as we attempt to follow Jesus’ instruction to “...go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

 The Catholic Church welcomes new adult members through the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Vivian, one of our parents here at Rosary School, has recently completed the journey of formation offered through the RCIA. She was kind enough to write about the process and how she found the path to becoming Catholic.

 “The best decision I have ever made in my life was to become involved in the RCIA process - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a course designed for adults who have never been baptised in the Catholic faith. I started my RCIA course in August 2024 and attended a one-hour session, once a week during the school terms up until Easter 2025. It has been such an amazing journey of faith. The friendship bond which I have with my wonderful Catholic Educators and my classmates have been so worthwhile and an enriching experience in my life. There is so much to learn about the Catholic faith, through the Gospels and attending Mass. My son and I recently got Baptised, had the Holy Communion and Confirmation. It was a beautiful and memorable experience at the Easter Saturday Vigil. My son and I feel extremely blessed to be able to experience this wonderful and valuable celebration together.”

 Rosary School and Parish are privileged to have people like Vivian who are willing and able to witness the wonderful role faith in Jesus can have on our lives! If you are interested in learning more about the RCIA process or are already Baptised but are interested in becoming Catholic, please feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to provide you with information about what is involved!

Important Dates:

Year 1 Liturgy (New date after postponement) - Week 5 (Friday 30th of May, 10:00 am)

First Eucharist Retreat Day - Week 8 (Friday 20th June)

First Eucharist                - Saturday 21st June (5:00 pm)

                                    - Sunday 22nd June (10:00 am)

 Year 4 Mass                   - Week 9 (Friday 27th June, 10:00 am)

 Prayer for the Pope

 Almighty Father,

You have called our Holy Father the Pope

To be the chief bishop of your Church,

And the teacher and leader

Of all of us, your children,

In all that concerns our service of you

And the salvation of our souls.

Help him, by your love and your grace,

To teach us truly and rule us wisely.

Give him courage when times are difficult.

Grant that all would listen to him.

And may he always have the happiness of knowing

That we are loyal and obedient to him,

and, thereby, to Christ our Lord

Whose vicar on Earth we believe him to be.

Amen

- Taken from the Prayerbook for Adults - St Pauls

Kind regards,

Christopher Evans

Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)