Education in Faith

GOSPEL READING

Feast of the Pentecost

John 20:19-23 - Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

There is much to be attentive to in this week’s short Gospel reading. First, Jesus appears to his disciples and says to them, “Peace be with you”. He then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He concludes by breathing on them the Holy Spirit, saying, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained”.

The season of Easter concludes with this week’s celebration, the feast of Pentecost. Today we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church. The story of Pentecost is found in the Acts of the Apostles. The gospel recounts how Jesus gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Jesus fulfilled his promise to send to his disciples a helper, an Advocate, who would enable them to be his witnesses throughout the world.

In the context of the feast of Pentecost, St. John in his gospel reminds us about the integral connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action of the Holy Spirit. Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. He breathes the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and sends them to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ act of breathing the Holy Spirit upon the apostles mirrors God’s act of breathing life into Adam. This Gospel reminds us that the Church is called to be a reconciling presence in the world. The reconciling presence of Christ is celebrated in the Church’s sacramental life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are cleansed of sin and become a new creation in Christ. Through the Sacrament of Penance, the Church celebrates the mercy of God through the forgiveness of sins. This reconciling presence is also to be a way of life for us. In situations of conflict, we are to be agents of peace and harmony among people.

Reflection and discussions for Families

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children and our families is the gift of peace. Peace is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit, a visible sign to others that we are living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and according to the laws and commands of God. Take time to think about the gift of Christ’s peace in our own lives.

Do we have the gift of Christ’s peace?
Do we need the gift of Christ’s peace?
Where are we called to take the gift of Christ’s peace today?
One of the most peaceful people I know is... because...
One place where I really feel at peace is...
To me, peace means...

Sacramental News

Eucharist

Eucharist- Parent and Child Workshop Group Sessions – Wednesday 26th May 2021
5 pm Session	7 pm Session
RA, SD, AM, AL	SR, TP, AP, MF, PP

Eucharist Mass Groups – Sunday 20th June 2021
9 am Mass	11 am Mass
RA, SD, AM, AL	SR, TP, AP, MF, PP

ATTENTION: Please note change of Date

Some COVID restrictions have been eased, therefore the Sacrament of Reconciliation for Eucharist Candidates will take place on Wednesday June 18th at St. Kevin’s Parish.

Grade 6 - Sacrament of Confirmation

Family Workshop: Tuesday, August 31st 7 pm at SFS.

Confirmation Reflection Day

Tuesday, October 5th at St. Kevin’s with Rev Brendan Hayes

Sacrament of Confirmation

October, Friday 15th at St. Kevin’s Church at 7 pm

MINI VINNIES

The 5/6 Social Justice Action Team needs your help!

For the winter appeal we are collecting non-perishable food and toiletry items for the people in need and we need YOU to donate canned food, blankets and toiletries.

The totals so far for our House competition is:

MACKILLOP 1

BOSCO 6

TERESA 17

PATRICK 27

Whoever brings in the most non-perishable items wins, but any expired food won’t count.

WHO WILL WIN??????

Congratulations to LS2 who brought in the most items so far 28!

God Bless,

Rozeta Ambrose

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au