Seasons of the Spirit/Make a Joyful Noise
SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT
This season urges us to consider our response to God's call, and ponder what it means to be a community of God’s people following in the way of Jesus. Looking back, we examine stories from the Hebrew scriptures and stories of Jesus’ teachings, and see how God shaped communities of faith. Looking forward, through the lens of past stories and struggles, we discover what it means to be a distinctive community of Gods people in our time. Looking Inward, we hear Jesus’ call to compassion and God’s call to be agents of transformation. Looking outward, we grow in discipleship, faithfully following in the way of Jesus, which liberates people from barriers that discriminate, divide, and burden.
As the 2007- 2008 school year draws to a close, I reflect on the many wonderful experiences I have had watching your students grow in faith formation. Many students discover (sooner or later) the spiritual necessity that helping others, is most rewarding. They understand that we are not meant to be completely independent, but to give and receive. Generosity and compassion is essential to the health of the human spirit. World literature is rich with stories that reflect this human spirit. The Odyssey, Shiva, and Dickens Christmas Carol show the necessity of awakening..
We are called to embrace the teachings of Jesus and practice the presence of God in everyday living.
I am very grateful to Kathy Clark for her essential wisdom and empowering messages she brings to our young people. Kathy, your lessons and input are at work in their lives. Thank you Jim Cooper for your goodness and willingness to serve.
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE CHOIR
As the 2007- 2008 school year draws to a close, I reflect on the many wonderful experiences I have had watching your students grow in faith and wisdom.
I have introduced music as an aid to connect the theme of the season. It builds a greater understanding of why hymns and their text are geared towards certain seasons in the liturgical church year. When music is implemented in the lesson the students become very engaged confirming their love for music.
Our Joyful Noise choir continues to evolve and they are very excited to sing on June 15th at the 9:30 mass. Bishop Mathes will be our celebrant. The wonderment and thought of our students are engaged and expressed through music. Each and every student embraces musical expression through their own uniqueness and potential. It is wonderful to see young students take on the role of cantor and song leader.
Our Joyful Noise Choir meets on Sunday mornings (in the St. Peters classroom) from 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.
The lectionary based Seasons of the Spirit lesson follows from 9:40 to 10:00 a.m.
Pat Robell,
Joyful Noise Director
Religious Life Teacher