Spiritual Connections
This Week’s Gospel:
A reading from the Gospel of Luke
(24:46-53)
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection:
This text centres around a vastly different cosmology to that of today. In the ancient world they believed that separate vaults made up the sky and the seas. In Jesus’ final act, Luke’s Gospel states that he is taken up as he withdraws from his followers for a final time. A sense of completion, separation, absence and presence all mingle to form a certain spirituality which underpins Jesus’ ascension.
In this moment of finality, Jesus hones in on the notion of blessing and power. The disciples are offered blessing and power as his parting gift to them. This is the same gift God gives all of creation. Each day offers us exceptional opportunity to use power to promote human dignity, justice and morality. We are also invited to participate in Jesus’ mission through a Catholic anthropology that builds others up, encourages forgiveness and celebrates good will to all, no matter what the circumstance!
Reflection by Kylie Smith CESL.
School-Led Liturgy: Sunday 1st June
This Sunday,Sacred Heart School is rostered on to lead the Parish liturgy in the church. Mass begins at 10:30am.
Families are invited to attend on Sunday, and if you wish, lead parts of the mass. This includes the Liturgy of the Word (readings), Gospel Procession, Offertory Procession, or commentating. If you would like to help lead Mass, could you please let Tony McDonald know.
Email, at tmcdonald@shtatura.catholic.edu.au .
FIRE Carriers Commissioning:
This coming Thursday, 29th May, the Grade Five students will be commissioned as FIRE (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carriers for our school, along with Mr Nilbett and Mrs Goode. Michael Chisholm from CESL Sandhurst will join us for this special occasion and lead the commissioning of our new FIRE carriers.
To be a FIRE Carrier is to exercise an important leadership role in the school community. FIRE carriers are students and teachers that share a passion for learning about Aboriginal culture and history and are committed to sharing this knowledge and promoting reconciliation within and beyond the school community. The aim of the FIRE Carrier Project is to promote respect, fairness and inclusion for Aboriginal people.
Parents/families are more than welcome to join us for this ceremony. It will take place in the church at 12:40pm. A special thankyou to Miss Lagozzino for preparing the children and organising the ceremony.]
Mother’s Day Mass
On Friday 9th May, the whole school celebrated Mother’s Day with a special breakfast, Parish Mass and PPR. The Mass was led by the Foundation classes and their teachers: Vanessa, Bek and Bre. It was such a beautiful Mass, filled with lots of love. Students absolutely loved being able to sit next to their mums, grandmas and special people and to celebrate the day. Flowers were handed out to to all the women that came along for the breakfast and Mass, which was warmly received. Thank you to all those that came along to the Mass and we hope you all enjoyed your gifts that the students made during PPR.
Just a gentle reminder that when we attend Mass it is a sacred time and the etiquette is to come into the church without food or drink (i.e. coffee) and not to be using or have your phones on during the service. Thank you for your support.
Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass
On Friday 27th June, the whole school will celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart - our School Feast Day. All families are most welcome to come along and celebrate with us - Mass will be at 9:15am in the church.
Traditionally as a part of this feast day, we ask for donations of non-perishable food and personal supplies that can be given to the Society of St Vincent de Paul to support families in need in our community.
The members of the Social Justice Leadership Team have suggested a range of different items to donate if families wish to do so.
Cereals / Breakfast Foods.
Toiletries - tooth paste, deodorant, tooth brush, shampoo, conditioner.
Tissues, toilet paper, non-perishable canned food: - baked beans, spaghetti, fruit, rice, soups, pasta.
Other items that can be donated include second hand clothes, toys, books, blankets, gloves, beanies, colouring books and pencils.
Collection baskets will be placed in the entrance foyer for donated goods to be placed in.
Thankyou for your support of this important appeal which is part of our Catholic tradition.
Events/Dates:
Term 2:
Monday 26th May – Friday 30th May: Reconciliation Week.
Thursday 29th May: FIRE Carrier Commissioning. 12:40pm.
Friday 30th May: Social Justice Team attending Reconciliation Mass in Benalla.
Friday 30th May: Grade 2 attending parish mass.
Sunday 1st June: Feast of the Ascension of the Lord.
Sunday 1st June: School Led Parish Mass.
Thursday 5th June: World Environment Day.
Friday 6th June: Grade 1 attending parish mass.
Sunday 8th June: Pentecost Sunday.
Friday 13th June: Foundation attending parish mass.
Sunday 15th June: Trinity Sunday.
Friday 20th June: World Refugee Day.
Sunday 22nd June: Corpus Christi (The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ)
Friday 27th June: Feast of the Sacred Heart – Founders Day.
Friday 4th July: Last Day of Term 2.
More information about specific events will be communicated closer to the dates.
Kind regards,
Tony McDonald.
