Catholic Identity

Gospel Reflection

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Summary

Jesus heals ten people with leprosy after they call out to him for mercy. All ten are healed, but only one—a Samaritan—returns to thank Jesus and give glory to God. Jesus praises his faith and tells him that his faith has made him truly well. This passage highlights gratitude, faith, and how God’s love often appears through those we least expect.

Scripture - Luke 17:11–19

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean.

Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan.

Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”

Reflection

This story reminds us that it’s easy to ask for help but easy to forget to say thank you afterwards. The nine who were healed were surely glad to be well, but they didn’t stop to return and give thanks. The one who did was a Samaritan—someone who was an outsider in Jewish society.

Jesus shows us that God values gratitude and faith more than status or background. Saying "thank you" isn’t just polite—it’s an act of recognising God’s presence in our lives. Gratitude turns healing into wholeness.

Reflection questions:

When has God (or someone else) helped me, and I forgot to say thank you?
Do I take blessings and answered prayers for granted, or do I stop to notice them?
Who are the outsiders in my life who might actually be showing me faith and gratitude?
How can I build gratitude into my daily routine, not just in the big moments?

Prayer

Loving God,

Thank You for the many blessings You give me every day—big and small. Forgive me for the times I forget to thank You or take Your gifts for granted. Like the Samaritan, help me to notice Your goodness and return to give You praise. Open my heart to gratitude and strengthen my faith, so that I may live with joy and thankfulness.

Amen.

The Month of the Rosary

October is known in the Catholic Church as the Month of the Rosary. The Rosary is a special prayer that helps us reflect on the life of Jesus and Mary. Through the mysteries of the Rosary, we remember important events such as the birth of Jesus, his teachings, his death, and his resurrection. The Rosary is not just about saying prayers; it is about taking time to be close to God, to listen, and to reflect.

The Church dedicates October to the Rosary because of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7. This devotion has been part of Catholic life for centuries and continues to be a way families and individuals can grow in faith together.

Ways to Celebrate at Home:

Pray one decade of the Rosary as a family before bed or at the dinner table.
Create a quiet prayer space at home with a rosary, candle, or image of Mary.
Pray the Rosary while on a walk, using the beads to guide reflection.
Listen to a recording of the Rosary or follow along with an app or online video.
Encourage children to make their own rosary beads or draw a picture of Mary.

The Rosary is a simple but powerful prayer that can bring peace and remind us of God’s presence in our everyday lives.

Sacrament of Reconciliation 2025

This term, preparations will begin for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Kilian’s Parish. Reconciliation is an important step in the faith journey of our students, offering them the opportunity to experience God’s love, forgiveness and mercy in a special way.

The program is led by the St Kilian’s Parish Sacramental Team and supported by the school. Families have received information about the program, including the enrolment form, schedule and requirements. Forms may be returned to either the school office or the parish office.

Key Dates:

Information Night: Tuesday 8 October, 6:30–7:15 pm
Commitment Masses: Saturday 11 October (6:30 pm) or Sunday 12 October (10:00 am)
Session 1: Tuesday 15 October, 6:30–7:15 pm
Session 2: Tuesday 22 October, 6:30–7:15 pm
Session 3: Tuesday 5 November, 6:30–7:15 pm
Celebration of the Sacrament: Wednesday 12 November, 6:30 pm

If you are interested in your child being part of the program or would like further information, please contact me at mpodosky@skbendigo.catholic.edu.au or see me in person in the office.

We look forward to supporting our children and families as they prepare for this special sacrament.