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Today we formally welcomed the new Year 12 cohort to the school with a small service.

We started with a reading from 1 Corrinthians 12

There are a variety of gifts, but always the same spirit.  To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,  to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^[b All these are the work of one and the same Holy Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Peter and Junelle, our head students gave words of welcome and encouragement and Emmanuela spoke of choosing St Joseph’s after five years in a all girls’ school.  Emmanuela then joined Deacon Tony in the prayers of intercession.

The life of St Jean Baptiste De la Salle was explained to us and he was given to us as an example of selfless service.  Kacper read for us: –

A Little Te Deum of the Commonplace by John Oxenham

For all life’s beauties, and their beauteous growth;
For Nature’s laws and Thy rich providence;
For all Thy perfect processes of life;
For the minute perfection of Thy work,
Seen and unseen, in each remotest part;

For faith, and works, and gentle charity;
For all that makes for quiet in the world;
For all that lifts man from his common rut;
For all that knits the silken bond of peace;
For all that lifts the fringes of the night,
And lights the darkened corners of the earth;
For Kinship, friendship, brotherhood and sisterhood

Of all mankind in one great family

We thank Thee, Lord!

Thinking of the one, most important thing we wish to achieve in Year 12 we came forward and each lit a candle for that wish.

Mr Cook shared some words of motivation and explained how we will mentor some of the Year Seven students.

We finished with a final reading  Romans 12: 9-12

Let love be genuine, hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good, love one another with sibling affection; Outdo one another showing honour.  Never falg in zeal, be aglow with the spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.