Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we come to the end of the term, I reflect on the busyness of things. We will be ¾ of the way through the year when we go on holidays at the end of this week. How quickly time flies and I am reminded that sometimes, I forget to take time out to reflect on things and pray to God. Do I forget to connect with God? Do I reflect at the end of the day on the God moments of my day? While thinking about these things I came across this reflection on God and Prayer by Cardinal Basil Hume.
GOD AND PRAYER
A man who afterwards became a prominent Christian said that his idea of God was revolutionised when, as a little boy, he was taken to visit an old lady. The old lady pointed out to him a text on her wall - 'Thou, God, seest me' - and she said to him, 'You see those words. They do not mean God is always watching you to see what you are doing wrong, they mean he loves you so much that he cannot take his eyes off you'.
A very precious way to pray is just through silence. No thoughts or words, just wanting to be silent in the presence of God. Perhaps one of the high points in prayer is where two silences meet: God's silence and our silence. No need for thoughts - and words to get in the way.
- Cardinal Basil Hume, In My Own Words, Hodder & Stoughton, 1999
After reflecting on the words above, I decided to value the silent moments in my life. Not many when you have a busy family life as well, but valuable just the same. On my way to and from work, I make a point to not have the radio going and just “be” in the silence, hoping that somewhere on my journey I meet God’s silence also.
First Eucharist Congratulations
Congratulations to Lucy, Charlotte, Mary, Giada and Alicia who celebrated First Eucharist last Sunday and to Alvin and Justin who will celebrate this Sunday. We keep you all in our prayers as we celebrate being fully initiated into the Catholic Church family.
World Peace Day
The International Day of Peace or World Peace Day is celebrated on September 21. This day is dedicated to peace or specifically to the absence of war. It is observed by many nations, political groups and military groups and was first celebrated in 1981.
To recognise the beginning of this day, the PEACE BELL is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from continents all over the world.
THINK ABOUT IT:
Wishing all families as safe and happy term break,
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
APRIM