Spiritual Connections

Loving God,

We lift our hearts to You.

Behold, you make echoes in our hearts:

“I make all things new!”

Renew our lives, cleans our spirits, and guide us with Your love.

In Your loving transformation, may we find strength, hope, and everlasting joy.

Amen.

Reflection:

Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

‘The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a woman betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the woman’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”’ Luke 1:26–28

What an amazing experience this would have been. This humble servant of God, a young girl, was visited by the archangel Gabriel and greeted with the salutation, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” Try to imagine her experience. She was humble beyond comprehension, filled with every heavenly virtue, loved God with all her heart and suddenly came face-to-face with this glorious and most magnificent archangel. And this heavenly visitor showered the deepest of praises upon this lowly servant of the Lord.

At first, in her humility, Mary simply pondered this greeting. She pondered it in her heart through prayer and faith. Then the archangel spoke further: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 

Mother Mary was great for many reasons. She was the one chosen by the Father to bring forth the Saviour of the World as her only begotten Son. But her greatness is especially found in her ongoing submission to the will of God. “May it be done to me according to your word.” This is what she said over and over throughout her life. 

Mary is one whom we can come to know through prayer and through God’s inspiration. Ponder her prayerfully. Be open to her inspiration. And allow the Holy Spirit to also overshadow you so that you will more closely be able to imitate her in her holy virtues.

My dearest Mother, you lived a life of perfect virtue and holiness. You continuously pondered the mysteries of God in your heart and always surrendered to the will of God with perfection. Please inspire me so that I may not only learn from you but also be able to share in the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit given to you. 

Giving Tree Appeal

During this Advent Season we are busy getting ready for Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It has been a long tradition that we exchange gifts as a part of our Christmas Tradition.

At Sacred Heart we are asking that we give a small gift that could go to the needy. We proudly support the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul who will distribute these gifts to families in our community. Otherwise known as Vinnies, a Catholic organisation working in our community for the good of our community, Vinnies receive numerous calls for help at this festive time.

Our request, for those who can, provide a small gift that has been wrapped and tagged stating whom the gift would be suitable for e.g. 10-year-old boy or girl 5 years. Gifts can be placed under the tree in the foyer and on the last day of school they will be given to Vinnies for distribution.

Whilst the gift bearer remains anonymous both the giver and receiver are filled with hope.

Thankyou for your support.

Term 4 Events/Dates:

Wishing all a safe and happy Christmas break and I look forward to seeing everyone back at Sacred Heart in 2025.

Kind regards,

Tony McDonald.