Week 6 Term 3 2022

News from the APRIM

At Rosary School, the prayer life of the school is very strong. It is not only central to the religious education programme, but it goes across whole life of the school.

Our young people may often give a very simple definition of prayer, namely describing it as ‘talking to God’. Although this is true to some degree, it is ultimately a relationship between us and God.

After three months at Rosary School I can confidently confirm to our parents/caregivers who have chosen a Catholic education for their daughters and sons, that the prayer life in our community is at the centre of all that we do and all that we are.

After thirty years in Catholic school, I have observed that prayer in our schools takes place in a variety of ways. We do know there is no ‘right’ way to pray and that people like to pray in different ways according to their life experiences and their personality.

One conclusion that I have come to is that prayer needs to occur frequently and at appropriate times, but we also need to teach students that we spend time in prayer when required. An example may be a time of class sharing when the class learns that a member of the community is ill or perhaps there has been an argument between students during recess or lunchtime. This is an appropriate time for prayer, because there is a need for students to stop and become aware of the presence of God within them and who our God is calling us to be.

Our role as teachers and administrative staff at Rosary School is to offer regular opportunities for students to open their hearts to God. God is alive in us all anyway, but by praying we can know it.

All of my teaching colleagues promote prayer within their individual classrooms in a rich variety of relevant and meaningful ways.

Every classroom has a prayer table. On these tables are Christian images and symbols, always incorporating a crucifix and the Bible. It allows a focal point for the room and for prayer time. In every classroom, our day begins with prayer.

Every whole school gathering commences with prayer and the Kaurna Acknowledgment of Country. Students expect this to happen and are wholly respectful at these times. Our school gym becomes a sacred space in these moments.

As a snap shot of the strength of the prayer life of Rosary School over a seven day period, I have been present when two Year 5 students beautifully constructed and led prayer at the start of the school day for their Year 5/6 class; I have been part of a beautiful Year 2 liturgy in our staff room last Thursday; I have witnessed a rich and affirming Reception liturgy at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish today; I have been privileged to be at numerus staff gatherings over the last week where colleagues have led the rest of the community in prayer.

In the midst of this rich prayer life, it goes without saying that we have been blessed to celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion with twenty-eight of our young people and their families over last weekend and this weekend. At the conclusion of the 10am Mass this Sunday at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, we will have young people who have completed their Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church. We keep these young people and their families in our prayers at this time.

Stephen Campion / APRIM