Peace in Christ, 

I would like us to reflect on the letter of St. Paul to St. James (James 2: 14-26) 

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day,  and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?  So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 

 Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.  You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble.  Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless?  Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works.  Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called “the friend of God.”  See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.  And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route?  For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. 

The Special Character Team tries its best to encourage the staff, students and their families to put into action the things that we are learning about our faith.  Faith without action is useless and so we try our best to ensure that the Catholic faith is lived in our school. 

It is never an easy task as there are struggles along the way but as Catholics, we try to stand every time we fall and see the message of God through all of these things. Here are some of the activities our students have been involved with throughout the end of term 2:

Special Character Week (26 – 30 May)

The Special Character Week officially started on Tuesday at assembly.  In the assembly, different special character groups shared the different activities and goals they have for the year.  We also had a multi-sport competition with the goal of raising some funds for Cartias. 

On Wednesday, we had a non-uniform day for Caritas.  Students were encouraged to come to school in their casual clothing in exchange for a gold coin for Caritas.  Caritas has been actively working at this time especially, with the different crises going around the world – war and poverty. We also welcomed Year 6 students from Our Lady Star of the Sea, St. Mark’s and Sancta Maria Primary Catholic School for the Catholic Schools’ Day.  The CSYMI group of senior students led the different sessions/activities during the Catholic Schools’ Day.  Our CSYMI has been noted by the Diocese of Auckland to be the most active.  Other Catholic Schools are encouraged to see our CSYMI in action.

CSYMI has grown in numbers, especially this year, and so it has formed three committees – Head, Heart and Hands. The Head Committee has invited recently, guest speakers to talk about faith supported by reason to help the students understand that believing in God is believing in facts, reasoning and science.  The Hands Committee has recently been giving free tutoring services to our Year 7 and 8 students.  They are also planning to get donations of goods for winter from each homeroom at the start of term 3. More details to come regarding this.

At lunch, the NET team encouraged the students to stand up for their faith to praise God.  The students, led by NET, sang and felt God’s presence guided by Scriptural passages.  They have also invited students to have one-on-one sessions with the team who prayed with them. 

On Thursday, we had a bake sale for Caritas. 

On Friday, we had the Feast Day Mass, Sausage Sizzle for all, and finally, the Caritas Challenge on Friday evening. 

Feast Day Mass
The school had a meaningful Feast Day Mass celebration in St. Luke’s Parish. The school enjoyed being in the church as it allowed them to feel God’s mighty hand working.  Bishop Peter Brown presided over Mass and has mentioned that this is his last Mass with the school as he is going on his Sabbatical leave.  The DRS gave his personal message of thanks on behalf of the school to Bishop Peter and to Fr. Jean Paul who has been assigned to Holy Cross Parish, Papatoetoe. 

Training of Ministers of the Eucharist and Ministers of the Word
In co-ordination with St. Luke’s Parish and St. Mark’s Parish, the DRS ran the training programme for the new Ministers of the Eucharist and the Ministers of the Word.  They were taught the importance of the task that they are to undertake as they are bringing and giving Jesus through their different acts of services.  They were also reminded to show Jesus through their daily lives.  They were commissioned by Bishop Peter during the Feast Day Mass. 

 

 

 

 

 

Caritas Challenge
Caritas Challenge started with fasting.  Despite the sausage sizzle provided by the Special Character team for the entire school, they offered this little sacrifice for Jesus in communion with those who do not have anything to eat around the world.  They were not to wear shoes, only bare feet or slides made out of cardboard.  Ms. Amara Kevern also shared her refugee story, which moved both staff and students.  The students had different activities (hurdles) that made them understand the value of the things that they have in comparison to others who are not as fortunate.

Brendan Malone during Teacher Only Day (Kahui Ako)
Brendan Malone spoke about The Gospel call to be Salt and Light.  He gave examples of how educators can add flavour to proclaiming the good news to the students.  He encouraged everyone to stand firm in their faith and be the light to our students especially to those who feel that their world is crumbling.  Brendan also explained that leadership is not just ticking the boxes, rather more on building the community and having the community support the vision. 

Praying of Regina Caeli
For the month of May, instead of observing our traditional 2 minutes of silence at 12 noon, we have encouraged everyone to stop and pray the Regina Caeli (prayer instead of the Angelus during Easter time).  This has been successful as the students and staff really stop and pray.  Based on the survey that the DRS and the Assistant DRS made, the staff and students appreciate the playing of the prayer over the PA system.  We are looking at other options but for now, we have planned to have the praying of the Angelus in the month of October. 

Confirmation and Welcoming to the Catholic Faith
On 24 May, Lorian King (Careers Department) was confirmed, and Amara Kevern (Japanese/Languages HOD) have been welcomed to the Catholic Faith.  We continue to help and support our staff in their faith development.  

Finally, thank you to a special group of Vinnies students who graced residents of Summerset Retirement Village with a few musical moments last week.

Notices from neighbouring parishes
St Luke’s Parish

 

 

 

 

• The Holy Mass on Sunday 6 July 2025 at 10:30am will be a Thanksgiving Mass in celebration of the arrival of our new Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Benedict.  Everyone is invited to share morning tea immediately after Mass (please bring finger food on disposable plates for sharing).
• The ONE celebration of the First Holy Communion will be held on 28 June at the 5pm Vigil Mass (Mass may take a little longer than usual).
• We are seeking a dedicated couple to help prepare new parents for the sacrament of Baptism and Sponsors/Godparents for RCIA/RCIC – if you have a heart for ministry and desire to guide others in their faith journey, please email pastoral@flatbushcatholic.org.nz
•  Online Safeguarding Workshop on Tuesday 15 July 2025 at 7pm – contact Lisa-May Gray on 09 360 3019 or lisam@cda.org.nz for full details.
• WORLD YOUTH DAY is on Saturday 2 August 2025 from 10am – 8:30pm in Victory Convention Centre – join over 1500 young Catholics for this beautiful, faith-filled day.  Contact Carmel at slyflatbush@gmail.com for more information.

St Mark’s Parish

 

 

 

 

 

• Sewing with Friends – join us while we do all our own mending while in each other’s company.  Machines, scissors, thread and needles are all available, and of course tea and coffee.  It is on the second Saturday of every month in the Lyons Den from 2-4pm.

Our Last Star of the Sea Parish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Christ through Sancta Maria,
Mr. Omar Leo Tamayo
Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy (DRS)