Faith and Mission

On Sunday, 24 May, the Church celebrates Pentecost, often called the birthday of the Church. Coming fifty days after Easter, Pentecost marks the moment when the risen Jesus fulfils his promise to send the Holy Spirit and empowers his disciples to continue his mission in the world.

The Gospel proclaimed this year is from John. We hear of the disciples gathered behind locked doors, fearful and uncertain. Into this space Jesus comes, offering peace. He then breathes on them and says, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' With this gift, Jesus commissions them to go out, to forgive, to heal and to carry hope to others. Pentecost, in John’s Gospel, is not marked by wind and fire but by breath, peace and mission.

The first Pentecost transformed a small and hesitant group into a courageous and compassionate community. The Holy Spirit gave the disciples new understanding, unity across difference and the confidence to speak and act with love. This same Spirit continues to be poured out upon the Church today.

In our current context, Pentecost speaks powerfully. We live in a world that often feels divided, fast-paced and uncertain. Many people carry quiet fears or feel overwhelmed by global and local challenges. Pentecost reminds us that God does not abandon us to face these realities alone. The Holy Spirit is God’s living presence among us, guiding, strengthening and renewing us.

As a College community grounded in the Ignatian tradition, we are called to be attentive to the movement of the Spirit in our daily lives. Pentecost invites us to listen deeply, to act justly and to serve generously. 

May this Pentecost renew our hearts, stir our faith and send us forward once again as people for others, alive with the Spirit and committed to hope.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

Our College community celebrated a Liturgy of the Word this morning, as we did not have a priest.  Students in Year 11 demonstrated courage and competence in preparing and leading this liturgy, where we proclaimed the readings for this Sunday’s feast of Pentecost. A short reflection on the Gospel can be found below.

Next Friday, Year 9 students will prepare the liturgy. Everyone is welcome!

Do not be afraid to ask if you have any questions regarding Community Mass. Contact: Mary-Anne Lumley: mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au.

Community Mass details 

• College Chapel
• All welcome!
• Fridays in term time
• Starts at 8:00am; concludes at 8:30am.

Sacraments

Confirmation in parishes

This weekend, a number of Year 6 students will be confirmed in their parishes. Congratulations to the students and their families. Let us keep them in our prayers this weekend.

Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so please don’t hesitate to ask. Below are some useful points of contact: 

• The priest or sacrament coordinator in your local parish
• John XXIII College website
• The Archdiocesan website: Parishes & Mass Times

• Mary-Anne Lumley: mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au  or via phone on 

  08 9383 0513

Good News for Pentecost

THE GOSPEL

Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he showed them his hands and side. The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting, 'Peace to you.' Then he took a deep breath and breathed on them. 'Receive the Holy Spirit,' he said. 

(John 20: 20 - 22)

THE REFLECTION

In a world full of noise, pressure and uncertainty, the words of Jesus feel incredibly relevant for Catholic schools today: “Peace be with you.” Before giving the disciples a mission, Jesus gives them peace. Before asking them to go out into the world, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them. That is the heart of Pentecost.

Pentecost is more than a story about flames and wind. It is about God working through ordinary people to bring hope, courage and compassion to others. Every day in Catholic schools, that Spirit is present in small but powerful ways. Patient conversations, moments of encouragement, a kind word and a culture of compassion all can become signs of the Spirit at work. 

Pentecost reminds us that the mission of Jesus continues through people willing to bring light into everyday moments. The disciples in the Gospel were not fearless or perfect people. They were uncertain and anxious behind locked doors. Yet Jesus still called them, trusted them and filled them with the Holy Spirit. That message remains important for school communities today. Even in times of exhaustion or challenge, God continues to work through ordinary people who show up with generosity and hope.

Adapted from: Breathing Peace Into Our Schools: Pentecost and the Mission of Catholic Education. (2026. May 20).  GPBS enews