Religious Education

Generosity is about more than giving great amounts of money or valuable possessions. Jesus teaches us that real generosity is measured by the sacrifice made to give the gift.

Which would be more difficult: giving away a shirt you have outgrown or giving away your favorite shirt while it still fits you? (Giving away something that no longer fits us, while difficult, is usually easier.) 

Which is a more generous gift: giving away something that no longer fits or giving away your favorite shirt even when you can still wear it? (Giving away your favorite shirt)

One way we judge generosity is by the sacrifice required to make the gift. It is much more difficult to give away a piece of clothing we like very much and still fits. It requires us to make a sacrifice, to give up something we like in order to share with another person.

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus notices people putting money in the collection box at the Temple. The rich people put in large amounts of money; a poor widow put in two small coins- she gave more than all the others because she shared all that she had.

Jesus acknowledges the generosity of the poor widow, even though she gave a lesser amount to the treasury. Her small coins required a greater sacrifice than the large amounts contributed by those who were rich. In order to be generous like the poor widow, we must have trust that God will take care of us, even if we share all that we have with others.

To give from our livelihood is not only an act of generosity, it is also an act of trust in God. We can only give from our need if we trust that God will provide for us. Jesus himself demonstrates the ultimate act of generosity and trust in God as he gives his life for us on the cross.    (Reflection- Loyola Press)

As we approach Advent, let us consider how we can carry out acts of generosity.  some people think, ‘I’m only one person so I can’t really help.’ But if we imitate the example of the poor widow, we can bring the Good News by giving of our time, energy, wealth and  care, especially if that is all we have. 

On another note, with Covid Restrictions easing, we have been able to schedule a number of liturgies and Sacraments for the remainder of the year.

Year 3 Reconciliation- Tuesday 23rd November

Year 6 Confirmation - Tuesday 7th December (6LM and 6RD)

                                       - Wednesday 8th December (6DM and 6EJ) 

End of Year Mass- Thursday 9th December

Year 6 Graduation- Monday 13th December