SACRAMENT OF FIRST COMMUNION

Congratulations to Indi, Hannah, Emily, Annabelle, Liana, Alastair and Leilani who recently received the Sacrament of First Communion.

May they always feel surrounded by love and peace.

PRAYER:

Lord, give me the faith of Simon Peter to remain steadfast, even in times of uncertainty.

Amen

GOSPEL REFLECTION John 6:60-69

For the last few Sundays, we have heard some of Jesus’ most difficult teachings. He explains that He is the bread of life, and that the bread He will give is His flesh. (cf. John 6:51). Today we hear that while some of His followers grumble, Jesus doesn’t back down from His assertion that eating His flesh and drinking His blood is the only way to eternal life.

Because of this intense teaching, many of His followers turned away and returned to their old way of life. Jesus, unfazed by their decision, turns to His closest friends, His Apostles, and asks if they’ll leave too. Simon Peter answers with profound words:

“Master, to whom should we go?” John 6:68

Simon Peter doesn’t pretend to understand this intense teaching. He doesn’t assert that the path forward to eat His master’s flesh is clear. He merely acknowledges that Jesus is the Christ, and so there is nowhere else for them to go.

As a parent, the words of Simon Peter echo in my heart. I can’t always see a clear path to attaining holiness for myself and my family. I don’t understand why I’m challenged in the ways I am. The great mysteries of the faith remain a mystery to my simple, human brain.

This is faith. Believing and trusting when the way forward is confusing and seemingly impossible. I know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. It may not always be clear or simple, but I will follow Jesus, for I have nowhere else to go.

By the Catholic Mom Website - Holy Cross Family Ministries

RELIGIOUS CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN TERM 3:

Wk	Date	Details	Time
3	Wed 31/7	First Communion (Gr4) Information Meeting	3.30 - 4.15pm
4	Sun 4/8	First Communion Commitment Mass (Gr4)	10.30am
4	Wed 7/8	Whole School Mass	9.15am
5	Sun 11/8	School Parish Mass & St Mary’s Parish 170th Anniversary Year celebrations. Mass followed by a High Tea Lunch in the hall.	10.30am
6	Wed 14/8	Candidates First Communion Preparation (Gr4): Confession & Practice in Church	11.40am
6	Thurs 15/8	School Parish Mass - The Assumption of Mary	9.15am
7	Sun 18/8	Sacrament First Communion Mass - Luncheon celebration in the school hall.	10.30am
8	Fri 30/8	Fathers Day Breakfast & Whole School Liturgy	7.30am
9	Sun 8/9	School Parish Mass	10.30am
10	Wed 11/9	End of Term Whole School Feast Day Mass - Most Holy Name of Mary Day and school Feast Day celebrations.	9.15am

Please Note: All are welcome to our Masses. If you would like to join us in any of these

celebrations you are most welcome.

LINKS:

*Children’s Liturgy:

The Kids’ Bulletin for Sunday August 25th, 2024

*Parish Newsletter:

https://stmaryscastlemaine.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/21st-Sunday-in-Ordinary-Time-25th-August-2024-B.pdf

WONDERINGS:

When the teachings and path of Christ challenge my understanding, how can I live like Simon Peter and not like the followers who abandoned Jesus?

For all queries St Mary’s Faith & Family related please email nicole.sherlock-byrne2@smcastlemaine.catholic.edu.au

St Mary's School, Castlemaine

Respect, Resilience, Responsibility

TERM 3, WEEK 7 · 30 Aug 2024

In this issue