Catholic Identity

Gospel Reflection

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Summary

Jesus tells His disciples a story to show them the importance of praying always and never giving up. A widow kept asking a judge, who didn’t care about God or people, to give her justice. Because she kept coming back again and again, the judge finally gave in, not because he cared about justice, but because he was tired of her persistence. Jesus explained that if even an unjust judge will eventually respond, how much more will God -who is just and loving - listen to His people who pray faithfully.

The message: Don’t give up on prayer. God always hears us, even if the answer takes time.

Luke 18:1–8

Jesus told His disciples a story to teach them that they should always pray and never give up.

“There was a judge in a town who didn’t respect God or care about people. A widow came to him again and again, saying, ‘Give me justice against my enemy.’

For a while the judge refused, but eventually he thought, ‘I don’t respect God or care about people, but this widow keeps bothering me. I will give her what she asks so she won’t keep coming and wear me out.’

Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. Do you think God will not bring about justice for His people who cry out to Him day and night? He will see that they get justice, and quickly. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

Reflection

This story reminds us that God invites us to keep praying and trusting Him, even when we don’t see answers right away. Sometimes prayer feels slow or unanswered, but Jesus tells us not to give up. Unlike the judge, God actually cares deeply about us and loves to hear our prayers.

The parable also asks us: Do we have faith to keep going? Faith means trusting that God is listening, even when it’s hard to see the results. Just like the widow didn’t give up, we are called to hold on to hope and keep turning to God.

Reflection Questions

When was a time you kept asking for something—maybe from a parent, teacher, or coach—and it finally happened? How does that connect to prayer?
Have you ever felt like God wasn’t listening to your prayers? What helped you keep going?
What’s one thing you could pray for every day this week, without giving up?

Prayer

Loving God, You always hear us when we pray, even when we feel tired of waiting. Help us to be like the widow—persistent, faithful, and trusting in Your goodness. Teach us to bring our worries, joys, and hopes to You every day. Strengthen our faith so that we never give up on prayer. We ask this through Jesus, who taught us to trust You always.

Amen

The Month of the Rosary

October is known in the Catholic Church as the Month of the Rosary. The Rosary is a special prayer that helps us reflect on the life of Jesus and Mary. Through the mysteries of the Rosary, we remember important events such as the birth of Jesus, his teachings, his death, and his resurrection. The Rosary is not just about saying prayers; it is about taking time to be close to God, to listen, and to reflect.

The Church dedicates October to the Rosary because of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7. This devotion has been part of Catholic life for centuries and continues to be a way families and individuals can grow in faith together.

Ways to Celebrate at Home:

Pray one decade of the Rosary as a family before bed or at the dinner table.
Create a quiet prayer space at home with a rosary, candle, or image of Mary.
Pray the Rosary while on a walk, using the beads to guide reflection.
Listen to a recording of the Rosary or follow along with an app or online video.
Encourage children to make their own rosary beads or draw a picture of Mary.

The Rosary is a simple but powerful prayer that can bring peace and remind us of God’s presence in our everyday lives.

Sacrament of Reconciliation 2025

This term, preparations will begin for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Kilian’s Parish. Reconciliation is an important step in the faith journey of our students, offering them the opportunity to experience God’s love, forgiveness and mercy in a special way.

The program is led by the St Kilian’s Parish Sacramental Team and supported by the school. Families have received information about the program, including the enrolment form, schedule and requirements. Forms may be returned to either the school office or the parish office.

Key Dates:

Information Night: Tuesday 8 October, 6:30–7:15 pm
Commitment Masses: Saturday 11 October (6:30 pm) or Sunday 12 October (10:00 am)
Session 1: Tuesday 15 October, 6:30–7:15 pm
Session 2: Tuesday 22 October, 6:30–7:15 pm
Session 3: Tuesday 5 November, 6:30–7:15 pm
Celebration of the Sacrament: Wednesday 12 November, 6:30 pm

If you are interested in your child being part of the program or would like further information, please contact me at mpodosky@skbendigo.catholic.edu.au or see me in person in the office.

We look forward to supporting our children and families as they prepare for this special sacrament.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Next Thursday, 23 October, we look forward to welcoming our grandparents and special friends to St Kilian’s for a special day of celebration.

The morning will begin with classroom visits from 9:00 – 9:45am, where grandparents and special friends are invited to tour classrooms and spend time with their child/children.

At 10:00am, we will gather as a community for Mass with Fr Junray in the church, giving thanks for the gift of family, friendship, and faith across generations.

Following Mass, we invite all visitors and staff to join us for a morning tea and cuppa in the hall at 11:00am. At 11:30am, the morning tea will conclude and the school day will return to normal.

We are very much looking forward to this special occasion and hope it will be a memorable time for our students, families, and friends.