Ministry and Evangelisation
Embracing the Ascension of Jesus and Our Personal Journey
Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens?
This Jesus whom you saw ascending into heaven will return as you saw him go, alleluia.
As we approach the end of the Easter season and the Ascension of the Lord, we are reminded of the profound significance of this event in the life of Jesus Christ and its relevance to our own spiritual journey. The Ascension marks the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, but it also holds a deep meaning for each one of us as believers in Christ.
In the Gospel of Luke, we read how Jesus, after His resurrection, spent forty days appearing to His disciples, teaching them about the Kingdom of God and preparing them for their mission. As the time came for Him to return to the Father, Jesus gathered His disciples on the Mount of Olives. There, in their presence, He was lifted up and ascended into heaven, entering into the glory of the Father.
The Ascension is not merely an event of the past but a continuing reality in the life of every Christian. We are called to remember that Jesus lives in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence empowers us to experience our own personal crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.
Just as Jesus was crucified and laid in the tomb, we too are called to die to ourselves and our sinful nature. This process of crucifixion involves surrendering our will to God's will, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. It requires self-examination, repentance, and embracing the cross daily.
However, the journey does not end at the cross. Like Christ, we are invited to experience resurrection, a newness of life that comes from being united with Him. Through the power of His resurrection, we are set free from the chains of sin and death. This liberation empowers us to live as children of God, bearing witness to His love and mercy in the world.
Finally, the Ascension reminds us that we are not alone in this journey. Jesus, who ascended to the right hand of the Father, intercedes for us and sends us the Holy Spirit as our guide and advocate. The Spirit strengthens and equips us to fulfil the mission entrusted to us, just as Jesus prepared His disciples for theirs.
At St Paul's College, we are blessed to have the opportunity to nurture the faith and spiritual growth of our students. As educators, we strive to help them understand and embrace the significance of the Ascension in their lives. Through our Catholic identity, we aim to instil in them a deep sense of purpose and mission as they journey through life, knowing that Jesus walks with them every step of the way.
May the upcoming celebration of the Ascension be a time of reflection and renewal for each one of us. Let us open our hearts to the transformative power of Jesus' presence within us and embrace our own personal crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Together, let us continue to be a community that witnesses to the love and mercy of God, spreading the light of Christ in our world.
Embarking on a Sacramental Journey with Father James
We are excited to announce a special opportunity for our students who are seeking to deepen their faith and participate in the sacramental life of the Church. St Paul's College, in collaboration with Father James, will be conducting a sacramental program, offering the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Holy Communion to interested students.
At St Paul's, we believe that the sacraments are sacred moments that allow us to encounter God's grace and experience His presence in tangible ways. They are pivotal milestones in our faith journey, guiding us closer to Christ and strengthening our relationship with Him and the Church community.
Under the guidance and support of Father James, our parish priest, this sacramental program will provide an enriching and meaningful experience for our students. Father James brings a wealth of knowledge, pastoral care, and spiritual guidance to our community. His deep commitment to nurturing the faith of our students ensures that they receive the support and guidance they need throughout their sacramental journey.
The program will encompass a series of formation sessions, where students will explore the significance of each sacrament and its relevance to their lives. These sessions will provide a deeper understanding of the sacraments, their biblical foundations, and their transformative power in our spiritual lives. Students will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, reflection, and prayer, fostering a sense of community and shared faith experience.
As part of the program, students will have the chance to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Holy Communion, according to their individual readiness and desire. These sacraments will be celebrated within the loving embrace of our St Paul's College community, providing a beautiful and sacred moment for students to publicly profess their faith and receive God's abundant grace.
We invite all interested students, regardless of their current sacramental status, to consider embarking on this sacramental journey. Whether they are seeking to receive these sacraments for the first time or to deepen their understanding and commitment to their faith, this program offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and enrichment.
We encourage parents and guardians to engage in conversations with their children about this sacramental program and discern together if this is the right path for their child's faith formation. Our team at St Paul's College is here to support and guide both students and their families through this process.
We are truly blessed to have this sacramental program available within our school community, providing our students with an opportunity to encounter God's grace and grow in their faith. Together, let us embrace this special journey and open our hearts to the transformative power of the sacraments.
For more information and to register for the sacramental program, please reach out to Mr Mitchell, Leader of Evangelisation matthew.mitchell@lism.catholic.edu.au. We look forward to embarking on this sacramental journey with our students and witnessing the beauty of their faith-filled growth.
Catholic Schools Office Retreats
The CSO has invited St Paul’s students to a number of retreats. If you are interested in attending could you please contact Mr Mitchell, Leader of Evangelisation matthew.mitchell@lism.catholic.edu.au to put your name down.
Ignite Conference
Who: Year 7 - Year 12 students
When: Week 10 Term 3, 21–24 September, 2023
Where: Brisbane
What: The Ignite Conference is one of the largest Catholic events of its kind in Australia for young people - adults, teenagers and children. The conference includes live bands and awesome speakers, with streams and workshops in areas such leadership, worship, creative arts, mission, culture and prayer!
Cost: $250
Festa Christi
Who: Year 8 Students - 4 Boys and 4 Girls
When: Week 3 Term 3, Boy’s Retreat: 1–2 August, 2023
Girl’s Retreat: Thursday 3–4 August, 2023
Where: Coffs Harbour
What: A two-day retreat experience with activities that focus on ‘walking in another person’s shoes’, having the students overcoming their fears and gaining a greater awareness of social justice.
Cost: Nil. All transport, food and accommodation expenses will be met by the Catholic schools Office.
Mr Matthew Mitchell - Leader of Evangelisation