What Is the False Self?

The false self is all the things we pretend to be and think we are. It is the pride, arrogance, title, costume, role, and degree we take to be ourselves. It’s almost entirely created by our minds, our cultures, and our families. It is what’s passing and what’s going to die, and it is not who we are. For many people this is all they have - but all of it is going to die when we die.

When we buy into the false self and over identify with it, we have to keep overidentifying with it, defending it, and promoting it as “the best.” We have to undercut the illusion right at the beginning, and when we do that, we discover the True Self “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Our True Self in God becomes our touchstone and absolutely levels the playing field. It gives us a new set of eyes.

We each have different faces and different colors of skin; some of us have hair, some of us don’t; some are tall, some are a little shorter. If we are living out of the false self, all we can do is measure, compare, evaluate, and label. That’s what I call dualistic thinking, and it’s where our world lives. Many people think that all they have are these external costumes - but when we put on the eyes and mind of Christ, we have a new pair of glasses. We can look around and know that the world is filled with infinite images of God. Isn’t that a nicer world to live in? It’s the ultimate political-social critique.

I hope we’re all moving in the direction of knowing who we really are, letting go of our preoccupation with how we look or measure up. As we come to a deeper acceptance of our True Self, we know our identity comes from God’s love, not from what other people think or say about us. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to present our best face; in fact, my mother would be disappointed if she thought I were saying otherwise. We just can’t take any of it too seriously.

Adapted from Richard Rohr, Immortal Diamond

Hi Everyone,

A longer reflection from Richard Rohr. He challenges each of us to take another look at ourselves. When we Make Jesus Real we have that opportunity to engage with his thinking.

It has been a big and beautiful week this week. As noted in last week’s newsletter, plenty of interesting and diverse opportunities have been evident and have been embraced by our children, and I would like to thank our team for making these opportunities available to them.

We welcome more former students to school to undertake their work experience/Christian service. Today we were joined by a number of students from Newman College, and Iona college, and next week several students from John XXIII will be here. We are delighted to welcome them back!

Mass on Tuesday to celebrate the Feast of our Lady was led by our Year Four children and their teachers Misty and Sophie. It was intended to be a whole school mass, but just Years 4-6 attended as the rain made it difficult to get down there! The Year Four children were reverent and led well. We thank Father Peter and the parish for always making us welcome, and we thank Music specialist teacher Michelle Kirwan and her choir for leading us beautifully. The singing was so good!

Next week sees the ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools - an independent, skills-based assessment program which recognises and rewards student achievement) Science assessment take place and we wish every child entering the very best of luck.

The upper primary chess competition organised by Holly Butson in the library has seen some fierce and sustained competition. It is a big deal and, again, all those involved are to be congratulated for giving of their best.

Book Week Parade and Musica Viva Concerts take place next Friday, yahoo!

Have a great weekend

Mark

We now have one of every size for all uniform items in "Store 2" in the office. If you would like your child to try before you order online, you are welcome to come in.

Our MJR award winners for Week 5 are Elsie B and Remy I. They are recognised for displaying the MJR values at Holy Rosary on a daily basis. They displayed kindness and compassion to those around them. Congratulations!!

These are some of the who students were absent last week at assembly, and received their merit awards in class this week. Congratulations!

Musica Viva is visiting Holy Rosary next week. We are so excited to welcome Timmy and the Breakfast Band who will be performing on Friday 25 August in the Gym. Our Junior Concert (PP-Yr 2) is on at 12:10pm and Our Senior Concert (Yr 3-6) is on at 2pm. All Holy Rosary classes have been working on the music and movements that form part of the concert and everyone is very excited about Timmy coming to Holy Rosary. Parents are encouraged to be part of the audience on Friday and join in the fun that is Musica Viva.

Congratulations to all the students from Holy Rosary School who participated in the Performing Arts Music Festival this year. It was enjoyed by all. A big thanks to our Year 4-6 Choir for all their hard work and a special mention to our soloists.

Year 4
Luca J

Year 5

Kenzie A

Olivia M

Ashlee N

Owen N

Isobel O

Year 6

James F

Oliver F

Zixuan Z

Even Aunties volunteer to put a smile on their niece’s and nephew’s faces! Also Mum’s just back in the workforce from Maternity Leave!

Thanks this week go to Belinda, Christina, Courtney, Erin, Giselle, Janine and Zoe!

Did you know most State Government departments offer their employees two, paid days of Community Involvement Leave each year?

These days could be utilised well to help in the school canteen without having to use one of your precious annual leave days! Working in the canteen is also a great way to meet other awesome parents and see the kids smiles at lunch time.

To join the canteen fun (it is not hard or scary) please email admin@hrs.wa.edu.au or text Leanna on 0414 953 958.

Online Ordering: https://quickcliq.com.au/

Monday 21 August: S Twomey, B Radalj

Wednesday 23 August: K Glew, R Cosentino

Friday 25 August: J Brown, C Miraudo, T Parnell, A Julian

Wednesday Soup: Broccoli

Calling all Holy Rosary Dads to save the date!

Friday 1 September

7.30 - 8.45am

Holy Rosary Upper Oval

Book Here

2023 Term Dates and Student Free Days

Term 3 - Wednesday 19 July - Friday 22 September

Term 4 - Monday 9 October - Friday 8 December