Religious Dimension

Pilgrimage to  Ireland

Melinda has had an incredible experience on her pilgrimage to Ireland. This week she will be on long service leave and I know that she will be excited to share her learning and experiences with you all when she returns.

This Week's Gospel - Luke 17: 5-10

In Luke 17:5-10, Jesus teaches that even a mustard-seed-sized amount of faith is enough to do God's work, and we are encouraged to serve God with a humble, servant-like attitude without expecting special rewards, doing only what we're called to do.

What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Penance, also known as Confession, is a Sacrament that was started by Jesus Christ in his love and mercy, to offer us forgiveness for the times we have sinned and turned away from God or made poor choices that impact other people.

Every time we sin, we hurt ourselves, other people and God. In Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins before God and the Church. We express our sorrow in a meaningful way, receive the forgiveness of Jesus, repair our relationships and resolve to do better in the future. 

The Process of Reconciliation includes:

• Contrition: A sincere sorrow for our poor choices and wrongdoings and resolvin not to repeat our sin.
• Confession: Confronting our choices by speaking them aloud to the priest.
• Penance: An important part of our healing is the penance the priest gives us in reparation for our sins.

• Absolution: The priest speaks the words by which we are reconciled to God and are absolved from our sins. 

   

Preparing for Reconciliation - Examination of Conscience

My Relationship with God

• Have I taken steps to help me grow closer to God?
• Have I made myself present to God at Mass and in my daily activities?
• Is there a place in my life for prayer and for getting to know Jesus by reading the Good News in the Bible?
• Do I turn to God, Mary and the Saints with love and reverence?

Myself

• Have I shown love and respect for myself as God’s good creation?

My Relationship with Family, Friends, and Neighbours

• Have I set a good example through my words or actions? Do I treat others fairly? Do I speak of others with kindness and generosity? Am I judgemental or compassionate?
• Do I show love and respect, reaching out to those around me - my family, neighbours, friends, the poor and the marginalised?
• Do I show care and respect for all of creation including animals, their habitats, and the ecosystems of our world? What can I do to promote sustainable living?
• Have I taken or damaged anything that did not belong to me? Was I envious of someone else? Have I cheated or lied?

• Do I promote and support life in all its stages? 

   

After the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Rejoice! You have received forgiveness. Your follow up actions or penance, may consist of prayer or helping others through works of justice or sacrifices. These actions help to strengthen your faith and to grow closer to God. 

Important Dates for Term 4

Tuesday Class Masses

Every Tuesday one of our classes joins the parishioners at St John's Mitcham Church at the 10am morning mass. We would love you to join us to support the students as they connect with our parish community.