FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION – AUGUST 15^th

The Assumption of Mary, or simply The Assumption, is the taking up of the body and soul of Virgin Mary to heaven. It signifies the end of her human life on earth. This event is one of the most important events for the Christian community. The Assumption of Mary is one of the most relevant among all Marian Feasts and events associated with Mary. This day is considered as heavenly birthday of the Virgin Mary.

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION IN AUSTRALIA

The Assumption is a holy day of obligation. In Australia, Christian people are obliged to go to church to attend a service in line with the Feast of the Assumption. The churches in Australia, especially the images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, are decorated with flowers and candles. In most cases, processions and parades are also organized by the ministry of church.

The readings, sermons and teachings in the Christian churches talk about lifting of the human body from the Blessed Virgin Mary to the heaven during the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. In Christian or Catholic schools, the students are taught of the story of the Assumption of Mary. There are also school activities that encourage the students to learn more about the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Orthodox community also celebrates the Assumption. They have fourteen-days of fasting in preparation to the celebration of taking up of human body of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

WHAT IS FOMO? FEAR OF MISSING OUT

I recently found the article below that I used several years ago to write a school newsletter. I think that it is still pertinent today and I hope that, after reading the article, you might have some reflection and perhaps discussion with your children.

Have you ever been with your child and seen the look of absolute terror on their face when they have realized that they haven’t got their phone with them? It is sort of scary and funny at the same time. Why is this the case? Why are kids so attached to this device?

FOMO is the fear of missing out. So, when the medium for keeping up with the ‘latest’ has been removed from them a feeling of panic sets in, as they may suddenly be behind the rest of their friends in knowing what is happening in their world.

FOMO is an addictive state of mind that creates an internal pressure to have the latest fads, gadgets, popular opinion and information. In its extreme form it can create exhaustion, ultra competitiveness and sometimes compulsive behaviours.

Each year we see the same scenario for the Year 12 students as they enter the HSC Exam Centre. The reluctance to relinquish their phones and leave them outside in their bags. The reliance is an unhealthy one and the term -death scrolling – is used to define the time young people spend looking at their phones and pother people’s posts, tweet and lives.

Does any of this sound familiar? Increasing volumes of research indicate that FOMO victims can lose a sense of self, of what a right relationship is and of getting lost in an unreal way of living their life. These things are the opposite of what a well-balanced young person should be experiencing in their formative years.

As a parent that wants the best for our children, we should be discussing topics like this with them. They may not like this and we need to avoid ‘lecturing’ them. In this way we can explore the questions and move the kids to a better understanding of the pressures upon them that could lead them to behaviours that are negative.

We need to ask our children, and walk with them, as they look deep into their heart and see the real essence of themselves, their original beauty and blessings that have been bestowed upon them.

Original source: article by Daniel O’Leary

We all want to help our children navigate the difficult formative years of their lives. It is a matter of offering support, negotiating the ways in which we can help and what help they will accept. Often, they know they need some help but won’t accept it. This can be hard as a parent but is where they are at in that point in time.

HSC TRIAL EXAMS

These exams have progressed well throughout the last two weeks. I thank the Year 12 students for being prompt and following the instructions and guidelines of both NESA (National Education Standards authority) and the school. It is an important part of preparation for the final HSC Exams in learning the operational side and rules around these exams.

We come to the end of Week 4 and near the midpoint of Term 3. We recognize that our Year 12 students have a mere six weeks of normal school before the holidays and the HSC Exams that follow. We wish them well and walk with them in celebrating their time at St John’s.

I look forward to the graduation events and celebrations at the end of Term and urge all to work hard in these final weeks. There will be 71,000 students in NSW sitting the exams and graduating, with our Year 12 students among them. 

CATHOLICCARE - CROSS + GENERATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM NOWRA

In Term 3 a FREE Cross + Generation Technology Training Program for Seniors will be run by CatholicCare at St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra. This is a wonderful community program to assist seniors with their technology knowledge. If you are a senior who is interested in improving your technology knowledge or you know a senior who may be interested in improving their technology skills bookings are being taken now.

To secure your position please contact Jane from CatholicCare on 0417 018 152 or email janeh@catholiccare.dow.org.au.