“The initial idea was to highlight the work and ministry of St Joseph of Cluny (SJC) sisters. However, after attending the local Vocations Assembly on June 19, the idea was broadened to include marriage and family, as I know many of the older students are thinking of marriage,” said Principal Sr Ivy Pacheco SJC.
On Tuesday, June 26, Tricia Syms of the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission and Sr Philip Geofroy SJC of Generation S’ were invited to speak at St Xavier’s Private School morning assembly on the Vocations of Marriage and Family and Religious life.
The pupils were invited to be open and respond to the different ways that they can be of service to each other in the classroom and in the family. Some pupils shared that they can be kind; they can listen; and they can give alms as ways of serving each other.
Parents were included and praised for paying careful attention to academics, athletics and other extracurricular activities. Their responsibility to pray with their children at home, take them to Mass and spend time with them helping them to discover their talents and God’s will for their lives whether it be marriage, religious, consecrated life or priesthood was emphasised as paramount to their child’s happiness.
When the children were asked whether they had mobile phones, there was a resounding ‘yes’, including iPhones. They were then encouraged to be eager to listen for the ring by being quiet sometimes and answer the call of God in their lives.
In responding to the question, “Where does Sr Ivy get money?”, the pupils wrote from Jesus, the Walkathon and the raffle. This formed part of an exhibition on the Mission of the St Joseph of Cluny sisters in the Province of the West Indies. Thirteen pupils of varying ages were dressed as ‘Cluny’ sisters for the day and sang at the assembly, accompanied by the music teacher. – AFLC