This coming Sunday is Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after Easter. Pentecost, also known as the Church’s birthday, teaches us through its Gospel that the Church started with the rule to forgive. In our families, we learn how to forgive others and how to say sorry. The Holy Spirit helps us to do both. Pentecost is a good day for a family get-together to say sorry and forgive. This coming week I invite you to read the Gospel, John 20:19-23, together. Talk about how Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to help us say sorry, forgive, and find peace. Pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit together, asking the Holy Spirit to help your family. End by giving each other the Sign of Peace. 

Next Friday is the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians and is the focus of our Whole School Prayer being led by Miss Melville and students from classes across the school. Our Lady Help of Christians is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church. This devotion is celebrated on the feast day of 24 May.   

In Australia, the feast day of Our Lady Help of Christians has been celebrated since 1844. The infant church in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. In its early days no priests were sent to the colony and Mass was not allowed except for one brief year until 1820. It was largely the Rosary in those early days that kept the faith alive. Australia was the first nation to choose Mary under the title Help of Christians. 

First Holy Communion 

Please continue to pray for our children preparing for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Last Thursday evening we gathered for our parent formation session in St Monica’s church. Parents, please ensure that you have the important events in your diary. These are communicated each week in the Sacramental Information part of our newsletter.