Religious Education:

The mustard seed, the smallest of all the seeds, grows into the biggest shrub of all.

Mark 4:26-34

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark

Parable of the mustard seed.

Formation

A beginning point for discussion of this week's Gospel with children:

God gives us the freedom to make our own choices.

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How do you help a small plant grow strong and healthy?

How can you help your faith in God grow strong and healthy?

Why are crops and trees and all kinds of plants important?

What do you think God's kingdom is like?

Catholic Culture

REFLECTION by Fr Michael Tate

A peasant in Galilee would hope for a return of 7:1 when sowing seed for a crop. So when Jesus pictures the Kingdom of God as a wonderful harvest (returning 100:1 as he put it in another parable), his peasant listeners would envisage a future without hunger, without servitude to rapacious landlords and money-lenders. A true liberation (such as Mary sang of in the Magnificat)!

Naturally, they and we want to know when this new way of life, this fulfilling of the Kingdom of God, will come about. Our Lord replies: ‘Be patient. Your job is to sow the seed. Something will happen out of all proportion to your part in the process, just like the disproportion of the mustard seed to a mustard bush’ (which he exaggerates into a tree sheltering birds).

God’s creative power worked in the depths of stony ground to raise up the Gospel Seed who is Jesus Christ. From that, a community has grown which, at its best, leads to a fair and just distribution of the world’s resources, as Pope Francis insists is a major test of authenticity of our claim to be Christian.

We could take a moment to pray for the courage to sow the seed of the Gospel whenever an opportunity presents itself, and the patience to await the germinating power of the Resurrection to create the Tree of Life such that all peoples ‘can shelter in its shade’.

Sacramental Program

Thank you to all parents who have promptly returned their confirmation enrolment forms and payment. there are a few more forms that have gone out and are yet to be returned can I kindly remind you to do so asap. May I also remind you to ensure that you send along a copy of your child's baptism certificate. If your child was baptized at St. John Vianney's parish you do not need a copy of the certificate however please let the office know the date of the baptism. All other students baptized at other parishes MUST produce a copy of their baptism certificate. Rite of acceptance and Presentation of the “Creed” will happen at all weekend masses 21st and 22nd of July early in Term 3.

Class Masses

Please be aware we will not be participating in the Eucharistic celebration this Friday 15th June in light of the year 6 camp. Please keep our campers in your prayers. Next Friday 22nd June 6CT will be celebrating their Class Mass with the theme "Where my treasure is - their will my heart be". During this Mass we will also be commissioning our new Mini Vinnies from year 4. We ask you to keep these students in your prayers. We welcome all our community members to come along to this Mass and to help share in the faith life of our school.

Mini Vinnies

Social Justice:

Beginning from this Friday the new mini vinnies will be meeting regularly to discuss social justice initiatives. These students bring talents and gifts to our lives and to our work, enabling us to better serve those who are in need. They remind us of what we are called to do: to give of ourselves in order that others may live. In this we follow the example of Jesus Christ, St. Vincent de Paul, Blessed Rosalie Rendu, Blessed Frederic Ozanam and a host of men and women, young and old, who have served Christ through the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Have a Peaceful weekend

Mrs. Dawn Heldt

Religious Education Leader.

Birthdays