Spiritual Connections
Diocesan Theme 2026 – Seek Peace and Pursue It.
Wellsprings:
Matthew 16: 13-20
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah: and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah. I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection:
Matthew’s words portray a pivotal moment where Jesus questions his disciples about his identity. Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah elicits Christ’s affirmation and declaration of Peter as the foundation of the church.
This passage highlights the significance of recognising Jesus’ divinity and the Church’s establishment. It invites us to reflect upon the foundation of our own faith and the role of the Church as our spiritual community.
Recall a time when God was your rock.
Wellsprings.
Mercy Values:
The core Mercy values, deeply grounded in the tradition of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, centre on;
*compassion, *justice,
*respect, *hospitality,
*service, *courage.
In the Mercy tradition, Respect is a core value, defined as honouring the sacred dignity, individuality, and goodness of every person.
Key Aspects of Mercy Respect:
*Human Dignity: Recognising that every person holds sacred worth and value.
*Acknowledging Gifts: Celebrating the unique talents and goodness in others.
*Personal Accountability: Taking responsibility for your own choices and actions.
*Integrity and Fairness: Acting with justice, honesty, and openness in daily life.
How Respect is Lived Out:
*Treating Others Well: Responding with kind words, patience, and gentle understanding.
*Promoting Peace: Listening to the sorrows of others and calling each person by name.
*Welcoming Diversity: Valuing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives with an open heart.
"We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”
Catherine McAuley
Big Blokes Breakfast
Thank you to all who were able to attend our Bloke’s Breakfast on Friday 4th September.
A big thankyou to the Tatura Lions Club for volunteering to cook the barbeque, and to all those who helped serve food on the morning.
It was the perfect way to start the day, celebrating all the dads, grandfathers and significant men in our lives.
Term 3 Events/Dates:
Sunday 13th September:
Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist.
Term 4 Events/Dates:
Wednesday 7th October: Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Friday 9th October: Grade’s 5/6 attending parish mass.
Friday 16th October: Grade’s 3/4 attending parish mass.
Sunday 25th October: School-led liturgy. 10:30am.
Sunday 1st November: All Saints Feast Day.
Monday 2nd November: All Souls Feast Day.
Friday 6th November: Grade’s F/1/2 attending parish mass.
Sunday 22nd November: Feast of Christ the King.
Sunday 29th November: 1st Sunday of Advent.
School Advent Liturgy: Date TBA.
Sunday 6th December: 2nd Sunday of Advent.
School Advent Liturgy: Date TBA.
Friday 12th December: End of Year Mass.
Sunday 13th December: 3rd Sunday of Advent.
School Advent Liturgy: Date TBA.
Sunday 20th December: 4th Sunday of Advent.
School Advent Liturgy: Date TBA
Kind regards,
Tony McDonald
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