Spiritual Connections

Diocesan Theme 2026 – Seek Peace and Pursue It.

Wellsprings:

Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from the land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out “Lord, save me!” 

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Reflection:

The story confirms Jesus’s divinity and his disciples’ need to trust. As Peter steps onto the water but falters due to doubt, he is reminded of the importance of faith. The story mirrors our lives today – confronting storms of doubt and fear and finding solace in a trusting and loving God. Ultimately, Matthew’s story illustrates Christ’s ability to calm life’s storms, urging us to embrace faith, confront doubts, and find strength amidst adversity.

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, Courage is a core guiding value defined as facing challenges, speaking up against injustice, and doing what is right despite fear.

Key Aspects of Mercy Courage

*Facing Fear: Acting with bravery not in the absence of fear, but moving forward in spite of it.

*Standing Up for Others: Speaking out against unfairness and supporting those who cannot protect themselves.

*Founder's Legacy: Inspired by Catherine McAuley, who famously encouraged others to state their opinions and always act with confidence and strength.

To act with courage takes strength, resilience and often the right words. What do I feel passionate about and when do I take a stand: 

• at home 

• at school 

• in community? 

It takes courage to change - God can provide us with the courageous heart that is needed for change.

"Speak as your mind directs and always act with courage."

Catherine McAuley

Sacred Heart 2026 Sacramental Program.

The Children have started preparing to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist later this term. Please keep the following children and their families in your prayers:

Alexandra H                   Ruby D                  Domenic C           Maycey B

Stasiya B                         Nunzio M             Alec M                  Olivia D

Charlie D                        Angelina C           Evelyn T               Lottie S

Olivia W

Term 3 Events/Dates:

Friday 21st August: Grade 3/4 attending mass.

Friday 28th August: Grade's F-2 attending mass.

Friday 4th September: Big Blokes Breakfast.

Sunday 13th September: Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Kind regards,

Tony McDonald

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