Catholic Identity

Gospel Reflection

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Summary

Jesus went to a town called Nain and saw a very sad scene. A woman’s only son had died, and many people were with her as she cried. Jesus felt sorry for her. He told her not to cry, touched the stretcher, and said to the young man, “Get up!” Right away, the boy sat up and started talking. Everyone was amazed and said, “God has come to help his people!”

Scripture - Luke 7:11–17

Jesus went to a town called Nain. As he came near the town gate, a dead man was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. A big crowd from the town was with her. When Jesus saw her, his heart was filled with love for her, and he said, “Don’t cry.” He walked over and touched the stretcher. The people carrying it stood still. Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. Everyone was filled with awe and praised God. They said, “A great prophet has come among us,” and “God has visited his people.”

Reflection

This story shows us that Jesus really cares about people when they are hurting. He saw the woman was sad, and he didn’t ignore her—he stepped in and helped. The miracle shows God’s love and power, but it also teaches us that Jesus notices us when we feel sad or alone. Just like the people praised God afterwards, we can thank God for being close to us when we need him.

How do you think the mother felt when Jesus gave her son back to her?
When you are sad or worried, how do you know Jesus is with you?
What are some kind things you can do to help someone when they are feeling sad?
The people praised God when they saw what happened. What’s one thing you can thank God for today?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, Thank you for loving us and caring about our feelings. Thank you for being with us when we are sad and for giving us hope and joy. Help us to notice when other people are hurting and to show them kindness, just like you do. We praise you and thank you for being our helper and friend.

Amen

All Saints and All Souls Day

This week the Church celebrates two important days.

All Saints Day (1 November) honours all the saints—those well known to us and the many ordinary people who lived faithful and holy lives. It reminds us that we are all called to holiness and can look to the saints as role models and friends in prayer.

All Souls Day (2 November) is a day of prayer for all who have died. We especially remember our loved ones and ask God to welcome them into the fullness of heaven. These two days together remind us of the great communion of saints—the bond between those in heaven, those on earth, and those who have gone before us.

Ways Parents Can Celebrate at Home

Prayer Together
Light a candle and pray for family members and friends who have died.
Pray the Litany of the Saints or a simple “Thank you God for all the saints.”
Storytelling
Share stories of favourite saints and what they teach us about living with kindness, courage, and faith.
Tell stories about family members who have died, remembering the good they brought to your family.
Visit the Cemetery
Place flowers or light a candle at a loved one’s grave.
Take time to pray quietly for all who have died.
Family Activity
Make a “saints corner” at home with pictures, icons, or drawings of saints.
Encourage children to dress up as their favourite saint and explain why they chose them.
Acts of Kindness
Do something kind in memory of a loved one—like baking, writing a thank-you note, or helping someone in need.

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:

Session 3: Wednesday 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.