Religious Education

Who Is My Neighbour? A Reflection for Our School Community

Throughout the school, as part of our Religious Education lessons, our students explore the Gospel reading each week, helping them connect Scripture to their own lives. We call this the Gospel Challenge and it involves not just listening to the Gospel reading but discussing it, interpreting it and exploring actions we might take to ensure we are living up to the values they extol.  

 During the school holidays on the 13th of July the reading is the very familiar and deeply moving parable of the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke.  A lawyer challenges Jesus by asking what must be done to inherit eternal life. In response, Jesus points him—and us—towards two great commandments: love of God and love of neighbour. When the lawyer presses further, “Who is my neighbour?” Jesus responds not with a definition, but with a story—one that breaks down boundaries and calls us to respond with compassion and mercy.

The Good Samaritan challenges us to see beyond labels, backgrounds, and differences. The real neighbour is not determined by religion, status, or familiarity, but by how we act—with kindness, generosity, and care. Jesus’ message is clear: it’s not about identifying who deserves our love but about becoming the kind of person who shows love to everyone.

This message has come to life so beautifully in our own school community over the past few weeks. Our Winter Food Appeal has been a tremendous success, with countless donations pouring in from our generous school families. This photo shows only one third of the donations that came in! These contributions have been passed on to our local Parish chapter of the St Vincent de Paul Society, where they will directly support families in need this winter.

We are so grateful to each of you who took the time to contribute—whether by sending in a few pantry items or supporting your children as they learned about helping others. Every single donation reflects the heart of the Good Samaritan and reminds us that compassion in action is at the very centre of our Catholic faith.

As Jesus said to the lawyer, “Go and do likewise.” And how inspiring it is to see our students and families doing just that.

Kathryn Ady

Religious Education Leader