The Way to Mercy

The Way of Mercy is four simple steps to heal a relationship based on the principals of restorative justice. When we say or do things that we shouldn’t hurt someone or break the trust of another, it’s important to take ownership of our actions, or inactions, apologise for it and rebuild the relationship.

Making an Apology

Step 1… Sorrow: I am sorry for-

Step 2... Empathy: It was wrong because…

Step 3… Promise: in the future I will…

Step 4… Mercy: Please forgive me.

The famous Zig Ziglar once said "You can’t hit a target you cannot see, and you cannot hit a target you do not have.”

As teachers we ask our students to set themselves goals that they work towards throughout the year.  These goals create clarity, and with clarity comes a sense of urgency and action, and action ultimately produces results.

Good and loving relationships strengthen our communities.

Oscar Romero reminds us:

We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.

Let us be encouraged that the good relationships we are building now in faith and life will shelter and nurture others.

Praying is Talking to God. 

Why Pray? 

Relationships thrive on good communication. To grow in love and friendship we need to communicate, not just openly but often! 

When we pray, we express our desire to grow closer to God. Through prayer we can praise, thank, ask, cry, argue and express many different emotions. We can sing, speak, listen, smile, embrace or just sit with God.  

Did you know? 

Why Amen? 

The word ‘Amen’ was often spoken by Jesus and means ’so be it’. When we say ’Amen’ at the end of a prayer, it is as if we say: I agree, this is true.

Dear Lord,

Lord, as we prepare for the coming of Advent make us ready, attentive and available to hear you.

Thank You for the gift of being able to rise each day with the assurance that You walk through it with us.

Thank You for the gifts of creativity and uniqueness, and the energy to put them to good use.

May all that we are today, all that we try to do today, may all our encounters, reflections, even the frustrations and failings all be place in your hands.

May the work we do and the way we do it, bring new hope, new life, and courage to all we come in contact with. 

We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord, Amen

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.”
—St. Francis of Assisi

Are you looking for a way to “give back” this Christmas?

Christmas for many of us is a time of happiness and celebration as we gather with our family and friends sharing meals, laughing and chatting as we open presents, however for people experiencing poverty and disadvantage Christmas can be a challenging time.  Over the Christmas period the St Vincent de Paul Society in our area provides support through financial assistance, clothing, utilities, food hampers and gifts for children. The Vinnies Christmas Appeal encourages our community to rethink our priorities at Christmas time by helping to give joy and hope to those who need it most. We are seeking the support St Vincent de Paul in 2021 through the donation of gift items and/or non-perishable food items. 

During the week of Monday 15th-19th November, the students and staff of McAuley are invited to donate food and gifts to assist St Vinnies in the creation of quality hampers to bring joy for those in need during our Christmas period. Each classroom in our school will have a basket that the students can place their goodies in. If you donate wrapped gifts, please label with gender and age group.  

Anita Mason - Religious Education Coordinator