Yuma and welcome to the Jubilee Year; a year of renewal and new beginnings!

The theme for this year, chosen by Pope Francis, is ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’

“Hope does not disappoint,” the Holy Father said, urging the faithful to rediscover the value of pilgrimage and uncover the signs of hope by getting involved in Works of Mercy.

“In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and outcome of good things to come.”

Traditionally, a Jubilee year is proclaimed after every 50 years. It is an economic, cultural, environmental and communal reset, when the land and people rest. In biblical times, this was a year of releasing people from their debts, releasing all slaves and returning property to those who owned it. This year was fully dedicated to rest. During this year, the Israelites were not supposed to reap or harvest; it was a time for people to spend quality time with their families and loved ones.

The essence of Jubilee is God’s inspired vision to interrupt the status quo .It’s a reset  embedded in the way of life for God’s redeemed and liberated people, emphasising the relationships between humanity, creation and God.

 Within the reality of our life today in a world of broken relationships, Jubilee is an expression of God’s desire for all of creation to flourish. It is radical,  countercultural and it is prophetic – then and now. It is a model for a community living well so that they can thrive both as individuals and as a community,  in so doing, shine as a light to the rest of the world.

This year we have been invited to embark on a journey of faith and transformation. Over the year I will be sharing ways in which you and your family can be Pilgrims of Hope. This week I will share The Jubilee Prayer and hope that you will pray it as a family across the week and into the year.  

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen

SACRAMENTS for 2025

Once again this year we will celebrate the Sacraments in the following years:

Confirmation (Term 2) - Year 6

Eucharist (Term 3) - Year 5

Reconciliation (Term 4) - Year 4

Early next week, parents with students in those grades will receive information about the enrolment process and key dates. ALL CHILDREN who wish to receive a Sacrament in 2025 will need to enrol in TERM 1. 

SAVE THE DATE - OPENING AND LEADERSHIP MASS - 9:30AM WEDNESDAY 19TH FEBRUARY @HOLY FAMILY CHURCH 

Our Opening School and Leadership Mass where all Year 6 will receive their badges will occur on Wednesday 19th February at 9:30am at Holy Family Church Gowrie. All children (except Kinder who will be on their last rest day) will catch buses across to the Parish Church. The SRC students and Choir members will also be given their badges at this mass. We welcome all Year 6 parents and families as well as those from the SRC (you will receive a notification if your child is their class SRC nomination) and Choir to attend this mass.

Class Masses

This year classes will once again be rostered to attend the local Parish Mass on Wednesday morning's at 9:30am. We would love to see families come along to this Parish Mass if they are able. All Parish Masses are held in the 'little church' across the ring-road and are a wonderful, intimate opportunity for prayer and sharing the Eucharist. 

If I can be of ANY assistance during the year, please do not hesitate to contact me at school or via email.

Have a great week!

Sharee Thomas