Prayer
Celebrating Pentecost: The Birthday of the Church
On Sunday, we celebrated the Great Feast of Pentecost, marking the conclusion of the Easter season. Often called the "Birthday of the Church," Pentecost commemorates the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, transforming them from a frightened, locked-room gathering into a bold, multilingual movement ready to change the world.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not a historical event, but a living, breathing reality in our community today. We are called to use our unique, Spirit-given gifts to bring peace, reconciliation, and love to a world that sorely needs it.
The Gospel Reading: John 20:19–23
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Reflection: A Breath of Fresh Air
In the Gospel reading, Jesus doesn't wait for the disciples to get their act together or find their courage. He meets them right where they are—behind locked doors, paralysed by fear.
His first words aren't a reprimand, but a promise: "Peace be with you."Then, he breathes on them. This echoing of the Genesis creation story reminds us that the Holy Spirit is God's breath of life, renewing us when we feel exhausted, afraid, or stuck.
This week, let’s ask ourselves:
How can we be instruments of forgiveness and reconciliation in our families and workplaces this week?
Let us Pray
Come, Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Amen.
Thank you to all those families who have supported Caritas Australia and returned their Project Compassion boxes to school.
Our School Sausage Sizzle fundraiser for Caritas Australia is happening this Thursday May 28th, 2026.
Thank you for all orders that were placed last week.
All money raised will be donated to Caritas Australia. Caritas Australia, a member of the international Caritas network, focuses on ending poverty, promoting justice, and upholding the dignity for vulnerable communities worldwide. Their work encompasses emergency relief, long-term development, advocacy, and education, all with the goal of creating a more just world.
Thank you for your support.
Alison Mammone
Religious Education Leader