Catholic Identity

Lent: A Time of Renewal

During Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus through three key practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer.

Fasting: More than just giving up food, fasting is about making space for God. This could mean reducing screen time, cutting back on unnecessary spending, or letting go of habits that distract from faith.
Almsgiving: Lent is a time to be generous and serve others. You might donate to a charity, support a parish initiative, or simply offer time to someone in need. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Prayer: Deepen your connection with Jesus by setting aside time for prayer each day. This could include reading Scripture, attending Mass, praying the Rosary, or keeping a gratitude journal focused on God’s blessings.

Gospel Reflection

5th Sunday in Lent

Summary

In this story, a royal official comes to Jesus and begs Him to heal his very sick son. The boy is about to die, and the father believes Jesus is the only one who can help. Even though they are far from where the boy is, Jesus tells the man, “Your son will live.” The man believes Jesus and returns home. On the way, his servants meet him and say that his son is better. He realises that the boy got better exactly at the time Jesus said he would live. Because of this miracle, the man and his whole family believed in Jesus.

Reflection

This story shows us the power of faith. The official didn’t need to see a miracle to believe — he trusted Jesus' words. Sometimes we may not understand how things will work out, but if we trust Jesus, amazing things can happen. Jesus reminds us that faith means believing even before we see the result.

Have you ever had to trust someone without knowing what would happen?
How can we show our faith in Jesus today?

Gospel Reading: John 4:43-54

Jesus left Samaria for Galilee. He himself had declared that there is no respect for a prophet in his own country, but on his arrival the Galileans received him well, having seen all that he had done at Jerusalem during the festival which they too had attended.

He went again to Cana in Galilee, where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a court official there whose son was ill at Capernaum and, hearing that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judaea, he went and asked him to come and cure his son as he was at the point of death. Jesus said, ‘So you will not believe unless you see signs and portents!’ ‘Sir,’ answered the official ‘come down before my child dies.’ ‘Go home,’ said Jesus ‘your son will live.’ The man believed what Jesus had said and started on his way; and while he was still on the journey back his servants met him with the news that his boy was alive. He asked them when the boy had begun to recover. ‘The fever left him yesterday’ they said ‘at the seventh hour.’ The father realised that this was exactly the time when Jesus had said, ‘Your son will live’; and he and all his household believed.

This was the second sign given by Jesus, on his return from Judaea to Galilee.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for always listening to us, just like You listened to the official. Help us to trust You, even when we can’t see the answer yet. Teach us to have strong faith and to believe in Your love and power every day.

Amen.

Caritas Ks – Walking for Compassion

A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing parents, carers, and families for your support of our Caritas K’s Walk for Water event.

It was truly special to see so many of our students walking around Lake Weeroona, carrying water containers and raising awareness about the daily reality for millions around the world who walk for kilometres each day just to access water. Each class carried 5L containers, with some walking up to 3km, and a few students even volunteered to carry 15L – gaining a real sense of how challenging this task can be.

Thanks to your generosity and the students’ efforts, we’ve already raised an incredible $705 for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. These funds will go towards supporting communities overseas to access fresh, clean, and safe water.

🧡 Donations can still be made online until this Friday: 👉 https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-kilians-school-bendigo

🌿 Holy Week – A Journey of Love and Hope

Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Christian calendar. It helps us walk with Jesus through the final days of His life, leading us from the joy of Palm Sunday to the glory of Easter Sunday. It is a time of prayer, reflection, and great meaning — a chance to talk as a family about love, sacrifice, and hope.

Here’s a simple guide to the most important days of Holy Week and what is celebrated in each Mass or service:

🌿 Palm Sunday – Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Mass Time: Regular Sunday Mass times.

What It’s About: Palm Sunday begins Holy Week. We remember when Jesus entered Jerusalem and was welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” At Mass, palms are blessed and we hear the story of Jesus’ Passion — His journey to the cross. It’s a mix of joy and reflection, marking the beginning of Jesus’ final days.

🍞 Holy Thursday – The Last Supper

Mass Time: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper (usually around 7:00 pm).

What It’s About: On Holy Thursday, we remember the night Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. He washed their feet to show us how to serve others with love and humility. At this special Mass, we also remember the gift of the Eucharist and the call to love one another. After Mass, we quietly watch and pray with Jesus, just like His time in the Garden of Gethsemane.

✝️ Good Friday – Jesus Dies for Us

Mass Time: No Mass is held.

A Solemn Liturgy is celebrated (usually at 3:00 pm).

What It’s About? Good Friday is a solemn and sacred day. We remember Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. During the liturgy, we listen to the Passion story, pray for others, and venerate the cross — a moment to show love and gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice. Even in the sadness, we remember His deep love for us.

🕯️ Holy Saturday – Waiting in Hope

Mass Time: No daytime Mass. In the evening, we celebrate the Easter Vigil (usually around 7:30–8:00 pm).

What It’s About: Holy Saturday is a day of quiet and waiting. Jesus’ body lay in the tomb and His followers waited in faith and hope. The Easter Vigil begins in darkness and moves to light — a powerful symbol of Jesus rising from the dead. It includes readings from the Bible, beautiful music, and celebrations of Baptism and the Resurrection. It’s the most important celebration of the year!

🌅 Easter Sunday – Jesus Is Risen!

Mass Time: Regular Sunday morning Mass times.

What It’s About: Easter Sunday is a joyful day — Jesus is alive! We celebrate His resurrection with hope, joy, and gratitude. It reminds us that even in sadness or difficulty, new life and light will come. It’s the heart of our faith, and a beautiful time to celebrate as a family.

The Triduum (Holy Thursday night to Easter Sunday) is a very special time — not just remembering events from long ago but entering into the mystery of God’s love for each one of us.

We warmly encourage families to join in these celebrations and take time to talk, reflect, and pray together at home.