Keira is Baptised
After weeks of preparation, Year 6 student Keira Luger was received into the Church last weekend, when she was baptised at St Joseph’s Pignatelli parish by Father Don Kettle. This is a very significant event for Keira as she has longed to become a Catholic. Having received the first sacrament of initiation, Keira has commenced her religious journey.
The sacrament of Baptism is significant in that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from original sin that comes through faith in Jesus. By receiving the sacrament of baptism, Keira has publicly acknowledged her belief in the Gospel message. She has become ‘a new creation as the old has gone, the new is here’ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
We asked Keira about why this day was so significant for her.
“I decided I wanted to become a Catholic when I was 10 years old, and I found out I was going to Santa Maria College. Once at Santa, I wanted to belong to the Catholic community and participate fully in the faith experiences offered at the College.
“Before my Baptism, I had to learn all the signs and symbols of Baptism. I completed some of the lessons after school time with Sister Breda, and some of the lessons during Pastoral Care Time. The lessons involved learning about the meaning of Baptism and the gifts of the HoIy Spirit.
“Being baptised means I am a new life in Christ as a member of the Catholic Church. It also means I have a different perspective, a different way of seeing the world and doing things.
“My godmother, Debbie Thornett, is my sponsor, and she will be my spiritual guide. She will help me with any faith questions I might have.”
“I will now prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, which I will receive later this year. Sister Breda will continue to prepare me for these sacraments.”
Sister Breda shared with us what it was like to prepare Keira.
“When I first met Keira and asked her who was responsible for her becoming Catholic, she looked at me like it was an unusual question.” Keira said, “I have been at Santa Maria for one year and during that short time I went home and said to my mum and dad that I want to be Catholic.”
“I was in awe of her response. Santa Maria College should be congratulated, that after only one year, a young student would go home and request this of her parents. Her Years 5 and 6 teachers are outstanding teachers and should be so proud that a student in their class should ask this of her family. Sister Breda added, “When the lessons with Keira started, I could not believe how good she was and how she was able to discuss topics and ask and answer the questions so easily.”
As a result of her baptism, Keira is now a member of the Catholic church and an adopted daughter of the Father. She is forever claimed for Christ and empowered to live a life shaped by Gospel values. ‘I have called you by name, you are mine’ (Isaiah, 43:1).
The Santa Maria community wishes Keira all the best as she continues her religious journey, and we offer her and her family our prayers and support.
Congratulations Keira!
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
