Religious Education
Our next and final whole School mass will be Week 9, Tuesday 3rd Decemeber @ 9:15am. All families are welcome to attend.
Christmas Children's Choir
Mrs. Earle would like to extend an invitation to students from St Patrick’s School to sing at the 6.00pm Christmas Vigil Mass at St Patrick’s Church this year. Last year we had a wonderful group of students singing. If you are interested could you please sign the Operoo permission form sent and contact the Parish office on: 9583 2103 to leave your contact details. It will involve a rehearsal. Mrs. Earle will contact you with details.
Gospel
Jesus is questioned by Pilate.
Unpacking the Scriptures
In this Sunday's Gospel of John, is the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year. On this Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. Each year we set aside this Sunday to reflect upon this title that we have given to Jesus. In Lectionary Cycle C, we read a portion of the passion from the Gospel of John, which is also part of the Gospel reading proclaimed each year on Good Friday.
The Jewish high priests have charged Jesus with a political crime, that has a punishment of death. Pilate, the Roman leader questions Jesus about the charges for arrest. He does not want to be involved as he is not a Jew. But as the charges include Jesus claiming to be a King, he must be questioned by a higher leader.
Jesus is king, but not the kind of king we imagine or expect. He is the king of heaven, not this world which is temporary. He explains - people who can understand this truth have faith and trust in him. How can we honour Jesus as our king?
Family Connection
Understanding the feast of Christ the King may be challenging for some as we don't have direct experience with royalty. As part of the Commonwealth, we know that royalty have sovereignty over their nations. We know that subjects and nations offer royalty their allegiance and honor. To understand how Christ is our king, we magnify what we know to be true of the best of human royalty. Christ’s kingship extends to all places, all people, and all times. He manifests his kingship through his death on the cross in which he offered salvation to everyone. Those who can see with eyes of faith recognise Jesus to be our heavenly king.
Pray
Gather together, light a candle and acknowledge that you are in the presence of God in a moment of silence. Read the Gospel John 18:33-37. Discuss that this Sunday is the last Sunday in the Church year and on this Sunday we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. Talk together about what it means to be a king or queen. How do those who are subjects behave toward royalty? Talk about how your family shows honor and obedience to Christ our King (prayer, acts of love and mercy, worship through the Holy Mass, etc.) Pray together the Lord’s Prayer and ask God to help your family act in ways that show you recognise and honor Christ as King.
Our Father,
Who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
God bless,
India Mitchell-Fletcher
Religious Education Leader