2. Special Character - Week 6, Term 3 2015

Week 9 is Caritas Social Justice Week. The focus this year is 'Family Ups and Downs'. We will also be looking at how our 'Catholic Social Teaching Principles' help us become the people Jesus wants us to be. In previous weeks I shared the Catholic Teaching Principals of 'Human Dignity' and the 'Common Good'. This week we look at the Principal of 'Solidarity'. This principal is about walking alongside each other and supporting each other through difficult times. Families can also stand in solidarity with other families who need support. When people stand alongside each other they can achieve more than when they stand alone.  
Our Parish and St. Vincent de Paul are based on families helping families: families giving away goods they no longer need so that other families can have enough.Your donations to the Parish freezer is another way we can all support parishioners when there is a sickness or death in the family and a little support is greatly appreciated.






This week we have all begun 'The God Strand'. For some ideas to discuss with your children refer to the pages in your  'Family Whanau' book. 

Here is also a link to the 'Family Whanau'. book
Family Whanau Book
Year 1: God is Creator/Page 17
Year 2: Our Gracious God/Page 20
Year 3: God is present in the World/Page 23
Year 4: God is Love/Page 26
Year 5: God is Faithful/Page 29
Year 6: Who is God?/ Page 32
Year 7: God's Desire for Humanity/Page 35
Year 8: The Mystery of God/Page 38

Here are a few other pages you might find very useful.

• Simple tips for good conversation in families/Page 12
• Conversation starters/Page 12
• Prayer - Karakia- in the Family - Whanau/Page 13.

Pope Francis announces 'World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation'. This will be celebrated on September 1st annually.
Pope Francis made the announcement in a letter of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.
Please click on the link below to read the letter.Pope Francis' Prayer for Creation

On Tuesday 1st September St. Joseph's will celebrate 'World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation' with a special liturgy at Koutuitui (1.50pm). Parents, whanau and parishioners are welcome to join us. 

Take Care and God Bless
Ann Dooley/CO/DRS