In a heart-warming display of faith and inclusivity, Miss Tanner’s 1B students took the lead in conducting a special liturgy on The Ascension of the Lord. The liturgy, held in our school chapel, welcomed families to join in the celebration. The liturgy serves as a reminder that even the youngest members of our community can inspire and nurture our collective spirituality.

Beginning with an Acknowledgment of Country, the Year 1 children set the tone for a unique and meaningful prayerful experience. They sang the gathering song, “This Little Light of Mine” and led various prayers. The Gospel reading came from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 28:16-20). Then, with a little help, we broke open the word, as the children wondered what the Gospel story teaches us. Sometimes, we might not know how to tell other people about who Jesus is. It’s hard when you can’t see Jesus in person anymore. But the Holy Spirit can help us. And Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit is like this little voice in our heart that makes us feel loved and tells us how to be good to one another. The children spoke about showing kindness, love and respect to each other. This is how we can show Jesus to others – through our actions and by sharing our stories about Jesus – so that we can grow in our faith together. Under Miss Tanner’s guidance, the Year 1 students wrote and read out the Prayer of the Faithful. The children’s innocence and sincerity touched the hearts of the numerous mums and dads present, creating an atmosphere of genuine devotion and unity.

These are the prayers the children offered to God:

Dear God, we pray for people who are poor and homeless. We hope that they can be cared for by people in their community and that they are healthy. Lord Hear Us. Lord Hear Our Prayer.

Dear God, we pray for nurses and doctors who help keep us safe. We hope that they stay healthy and keep helping people in need. Lord Hear Us. Lord Hear Our Prayer.

Dear God, we pray for the Kaurna people who cared for our wonderful region called Adelaide. We pray that their culture can be respected by all people who live on Kaurna land. Lord Hear Us. Lord Hear Our Prayer.

Dear God, we pray for the ANZAC soldiers who fought in wars and made our country peaceful. We hope that we can continue to make our country safe and peaceful like the soldiers. Lord Hear Us. Lord Hear Our Prayer.

Dear God, we pray for our mothers and the other special women in our lives. We hope that they know how much we love and appreciate them. Lord Hear Us. Lord Hear Our Prayer.

Patrizia Puglia, Director Religion and Spirituality – Primary