Director of Identity 

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 

Matthew 25:35-40

“This weekend we come together to pray on Social Justice Sunday. On this day we are called to action; to check our true allegiances; to discover where our true centre or heart is. This enables us to participate in fashioning a world where social justice and compassion prevail. Our actions with others witness to the heart, our actions toward the most defenseless among us speak clearly about where our hearts truly lie. What do we burn for? What are we passionate about?  Does our fear, worry and greed define us or is it a passion for justice and peace, genuine concern for and practical action on behalf of others? How willing we are to reach out to the people across the street?

Matthew 25:35-40 makes clear how Jesus radically identifies himself with the least of this world. Christ does not just identify himself with people who help the hungry, visit the imprisoned, or welcome the stranger, but Christ is the hungry and imprisoned person, the person who is a refugee and stranger. We are the Body of Christ and we are called not only to minister to the marginalised but to identify with them.”

Claude Mostowik msc 

Director, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Justice and Peace Centre

President, Pax Christi Australia

From our College Captain 

“Let us take a moment to reflect on our position and privilege in the world. As we rest in our homes, those in Afghanistan suffer, and the more we take for granted the more we forget how lucky we really are. We must always realise this, and help to spread the blessings we are lucky enough to receive throughout our local community, to those whose suffering has become part of daily routine. Many are hurting, right outside our doorstep, and the first step to making the world beer for all is to help those closest to us. To honour our commitment to our Touchstone of Inclusive Community, and to ensure we help those that are left behind, to make a better community for all. 

In such times, hardships do not discriminate against who they affect. Let us think of our fellow Australians experiencing difficulty, trouble and turmoil in the form of instantaneous, snap lockdowns, and in the virus that could easily target our loved ones. Let us promote a sense of togetherness throughout our community, state, and nation by helping where we can, ensuring we can get through this together quickly and safely. 

We are lucky enough to live in a country like Australia. However, we cannot forget our brothers and sisters around the world facing challenges we are lucky enough to see on our screens, rather than our backyards. The crisis in Afghanistan serves as a reminder to the problems in the world today. Let us promote our Touchstone of Justice and Solidarity from our privileged position in the world, for it is our obligation as a developed nation to help those who miss out on the benefits we are honoured to receive.”

Caerwyn James

SVC College Captain 2021 

PREPARATION – FIRST RECONCILIATION

Parents/carers of children of St John’s Parish, Glenorchy, who wish to prepare for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, are invited to attend an information meeting on Wednesday, 8 September at 7pm in the parish meeting room. The Church requires that children have made their First Reconciliation before celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion. 

 If you think your child is ready to take this step in their faith journey, please contact Marie Aitken (0472 545 919) or the Parish Office (6272 6363) to register your interest or for further information.