Each Monday morning the staff gather for our weekly staff meeting. Being a Catholic school, staff members take turns to start this and other meetings with a reflection/karakia.  This reflection can take many forms and often is related to the time of the year, and events that are happening in our school and wider community.

This week Monica Moore wrote a reflection which, as I listened, I thought would be good to share with all our community.  Monica generously permitted me to share her reflection with you in today’s newsletter.  Thank you, Monica.

Monica’s reflection

Monday, 29 April was the feast day of Catherine of Siena.  Catherine was known for mixing fearlessly with the world.  She was strong and had the courage to speak with the candour and authority of one completely committed to Christ.  Although she was charged for speaking out inappropriately, she was cleared of all charges at the Dominican General Chapter of 1374.

One of the topics Catherine spoke out about that is still very relevant today, is how we all have a tendency to get caught up and involved in petty things – they are simply not worth it when there are far deeper, more important aspects to our lives.

This week I challenge you to think about this:

Today before we pray we will make a sign of the cross but before we do let’s reflect on what we are doing.

When we touch our heads and say ‘’In the Name of the Father”, we are reminded that we have the capacity to create for good and for love.  Our minds are infinite and as it says in Psalm 139:14 “We are fearfully and wonderfully made – this means we are so capable it’s scary.”

When we touch our hearts and say ‘’And the Son” we are reminded of Jesus’ teachings and our own ability to act out of love with all we do.

When we signal across our shoulders for the Holy Spirit we are asking for the faith and courage to do the right thing.

The sign of the cross is indeed a prayer on its own.  Let us pray;

In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord

Let us use our minds to create what is best for us, for others and for our planet.

Let us use our hearts to love everyone for the common good.

And let us through the holy spirit have the faith and the courage to do the right thing.

We pray this and any special intentions we have in our hearts, through Christ our Lord, Amen