St Kilian's School Newsletter

Catholic Identity  

 

Caritas K's 'Thank You' 

 

Gospel Reflection 

 

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 

 

Summary 

In this passage, Jesus challenges the crowds following Him with the true cost of discipleship. He teaches that following Him requires wholehearted commitment, even above family, possessions, and life itself. Through examples of building a tower and preparing for war, He stresses the importance of considering the cost before making the decision to follow Him. Discipleship is not half-hearted; it demands sacrifice and prioritising God above all. 

 

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:25–33 

Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way, and he turned and spoke to them. ‘If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 

  ‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.’ 

 

Reflection 

This passage can feel confronting - Jesus speaks of “hating” family and giving up everything. His language is not about rejecting love for others but about making Him the ultimate priority. To truly follow Christ means putting Him first, even when it is difficult or costly.  The images of the tower and the king remind us that faith is not casual; it is intentional. Just as builders plan carefully and kings prepare wisely, so must we reflect on what discipleship requires of us. 

 

For us today, this might mean asking: What am I clinging to that keeps me from following Jesus fully? It could be comfort, approval, possessions, or fear of change. Jesus invites us to surrender these so that our lives can be built firmly on Him. True discipleship may involve sacrifice, but it also brings freedom and purpose. 

 

  • What does it look like for me to follow Jesus, even when it’s hard? 
  • Are there things I hang onto - like comfort, stuff I own, or wanting people’s approval - that make it harder for me to follow Jesus fully? 
  • How can I keep Jesus first in my life, while still loving and caring for my family and the people around me? 

 

Prayer 

Loving God, 

You call us to follow You with open hearts and willing spirits.  

Help us to put You first in our lives, even when it is hard.  

Give us the courage to carry our crosses with faith, the wisdom to see what holds us back, and the strength to let go of what we do not need.  

May our lives reflect Your love and be built on the foundation of Christ.  

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  

Amen

 

Season of Creation – September 

Each year from 1 September to 4 October, the Catholic Church around the world celebrates the Season of Creation – a time set aside to reflect on God’s gift of creation and to commit ourselves to caring for our common home. This season invites us to pray, learn, and act together for the environment, inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. 

 

At school, we are marking this special season in a number of ways: 

  • Diocesan Mass – Our leaders will join schools across the Diocese to celebrate Mass together. 
  • Unit Masses – Each learning unit will gather for Mass with a focus on creation. 

  • Prayer and Classroom Activities – Students will take part in prayers, reflections, and learning activities that highlight care for the earth and sustainable living. 

     

Families are encouraged to join in this season at home. Some simple ways include: 

  • Taking a walk together and noticing the beauty of nature. 
  • Planting something in the garden or caring for a pot plant. 
  • Praying as a family in gratitude for creation. 

  • Making small choices to care for the earth, such as reducing waste, saving water, or turning off lights. 

     

Together, as a school and community, we can use this Season of Creation to deepen our awareness of God’s presence in creation and take steps towards a more sustainable future. 

Season of Creation Mass 

Students will be attending the annual Season of Creation Mass, a Diocesan celebration that brings together schools and parishes to reflect on caring for our Common Home. 

This year’s theme is Peace with Creation, with the symbol being the Garden of Peace. As part of the celebration, each school will receive a native plant to take back and plant in their community as a sign of peace and hope. 

 

  • Date: Friday 5th September 
  • Venue: Huntly Streamside Reserve (15 minutes from St Kilian’s) 
  • Mass Time: 11:00am, celebrated by Fr Joe Taylor 

  • Activities: Student involvement in Mass, blessing and receiving of plants, and a picnic lunch (sausage sizzle provided – please bring your own water bottle). 

     

This event is a wonderful opportunity for students to come together with others from across the Diocese to pray, reflect, and take action for our environment. 

Families are warmly invited to attend and join us for this celebration and picnic lunch!