St Kilian's School Newsletter

Catholic Identity  

 

Gospel Reflection

Pentecost 

 

Summary 

In this Gospel passage, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. He reassures them that they will not be left alone. If they love Him and follow His teachings, the Father will send the Holy Spirit to be with them always. The Holy Spirit will teach them, guide them, and help them remember all that Jesus has said. 

 

Gospel Reading: John 14:15-16, 23-26 

Jesus said to His disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 

Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 

Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. 

I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.” 

 

Reflection 

In this Gospel, Jesus reassures His friends that they won’t be left alone. He knows that real life is complicated - there are moments of confusion, conflict, and feeling overwhelmed. But He promises that the Holy Spirit, a quiet but powerful presence, will always be there to guide and support us. 

This isn't just about religion or rules - it’s about how we live our everyday lives. Jesus says that loving Him means living out His teachings. That can look like being honest when it’s easier to lie, choosing kindness when you're tired or frustrated, or standing up for someone being treated unfairly. It means being the kind of person who reflects love in your actions, especially in relationships - with friends, family, or people you disagree with. 

The Holy Spirit helps us navigate those moments. Maybe it’s that inner nudge to apologise after hurting someone, or the feeling that reminds you to check in on a friend who's struggling. Maybe it’s the strength to walk away from gossip, or the peace you feel after choosing to forgive. 

God isn’t distant. Through the Holy Spirit, He lives with us, in us - especially when we make space for love, truth, and compassion in our relationships. 

  • When have I felt a nudge to do the right thing, even when it wasn’t easy? Could that have been the Holy Spirit at work? 
  • Are there places in my relationships - family, friends, partner - where I need to be more honest, kind, or forgiving? 
  • What small decision can I make this week that reflects the kind of love Jesus lived and taught? 

Prayer 

Loving God, 

You promised never to leave us alone. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who continues to teach, guide, and strengthen us. Help me to listen for Your voice and to trust in Your presence, even when I feel uncertain or afraid. Give me the courage to live out Your truth in my choices, my relationships, and my actions. Come and make Your home within me, so that I may be a sign of Your love in the world. 

Amen

 

Celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist 

Over the weekend, we were blessed to gather as a faith community to celebrate a very special milestone in the lives of many of our students - the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. These sacred moments mark an important step in the children’s journey of faith, as they deepen their relationship with God and take on a more active role in the life of the Church. 

 

We are incredibly grateful to Fr. Junray for leading us in such meaningful and joy-filled celebrations, and to Kimberley and all our staff who supported the students so beautifully throughout their preparation. A special thanks also goes to the St. Kilian’s Sacramental Team for their time, planning, and commitment to helping our students feel ready and confident. 

 

To our families - thank you. Your support, love, and care have been the foundation of this journey. The way you’ve walked alongside your children with faith and encouragement has been a powerful witness to our whole community. 

 

And to our candidates - congratulations! Your reverence, joy, and openness were truly inspiring. We are so proud of you and pray that the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen you in all that you do. 

Let us continue to walk together as a community of faith, always growing in love, hope, and unity. 

 

Below are some photos of the candidates with their certificates!