Happy New Year! Welcome back. We hope you had a restful Christmas break. Although the decorations might be coming down at home, the Church has one last massive celebration to finish the Christmas season. It is called the Epiphany. Epiphany means “The Reveal” or “The Showing”. It is the moment the Three Kings (The Magi) arrived at the stable and realised that this baby wasn’t just for a small group of shepherds, but for the whole world. As we start this new term, we are going to think about the gifts we bring to our school community.

Day 1 – Star Searches

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

A reading from the Gospel of Matthew (2:1-2, 10-11)

“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ …When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R./ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

The Wise Men were the original explorers. They didn’t have Google Maps; they had to look up and follow a star. They went on a long, dangerous journey because they believed they would find something amazing at the end of it. Starting a new school term is a bit like that journey. We have a whole year ahead of us. We don’t know exactly what will happen, but we are invited to “look up” and aim for something bright. The Wise Men didn’t arrive empty-handed. They brought their best gifts. You have walked through the school gates this week, and you didn’t come empty-handed either. You brought your personality, your talents, and your energy.

Discussion Questions:

• If you had to give a “gift” to the school this year (not money, but a talent or quality), what would it be? (e.g., humour, sport, kindness, effort).
  
• Why do you think the Wise Men were “overwhelmed with joy” just by seeing a star?
  
• What is one goal you are “aiming for” (like the star) this term?
  

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Day 2 – The Fun Theory

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross. Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Epiphany is all about the Light of Christ being revealed to the world. But there is also a light inside you. Sometimes, at school, we try to blend in. We don’t want to answer the question in class, or try out for the team, because we are afraid of looking distinctive. We are afraid of our own potential. We are going to watch a famous scene from the movie Coach Carter. It challenges us to stop “playing small.”

“Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.” That quote is perfect for Epiphany. The Wise Men followed a star that shone brightly in the dark sky. They didn’t hide. As you start this term, you might be tempted to keep your head down and just “get through it.” But you have gifts—talents, ideas, and personality—that this school needs. When you have the courage to shine, you give other people permission to do the same.

• In what ways do you sometimes “play small” or hide your ability at school?
• “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Who inspires you by the way they shine?
• What is one area where you are going to step up this term?

Day 3 – Building the Light

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

Today we finish our Epiphany week with an action. The Magi were Kings. They wore crowns. But when they met Jesus, they realised that true royalty isn’t about bossing people around; it’s about giving. They gave their Gold to the person who mattered most.

Open your student planners to this week’s diary page. We want you to think about one area of school life where you really want to “give your gold” (give your best effort) this term.

• Is it a specific subject like Science or English?
• Is it a club or team?
• Is it simply “Monday Morning” when you are usually tired?

Action: Take a pen and draw a Crown in that area in your planner. Whenever you see that Crown, remember the Magi. Remind yourself: “This is where I am giving my gold. This is where I am going to shine.”