WHOLE SCHOOL FOCUS

The Whole school focus theme for this year is ‘Do small Things with Great Love’ and the Bible reference that supports our theme is Ephesians 2:1, in which St Paul says:

“We are God’s work of art,

Created in Christ Jesus to live the good life

As from the beginning he had meant us to live it.”

Confirmation 2022

Please pray for our Year 6 Confirmation Candidates, their teachers, and families as they embark on this important time in their faith journey. Thank you to all our Year 6 students who are showing their commitment towards their Ministry Masses. Don’t forget to bring your item of food for the ‘Food Pantry’.

SHROVE TUESDAY

The day before Ash Wednesday, is often called ‘Pancake Tuesday’. Older people might remember it as ‘Shrove Tuesday’.  To prepare for Lent’s fasting some people cook all the meat they have. Another custom on this day is to ‘feast’ on pancakes.  This year the classroom teachers provided pancakes for their class.

Fr Thonn was not aware of Pancake Tuesday as it is not part of the practice in the Philippines.  He was overjoyed to share some pancakes with the Year 1 students once they had informed him of what happens and why.

LENT & ASH WEDNESDAY

This week the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. We celebrated a Mass online with Fr Thonn, Good Shepherd and Holy Spirit Schools. The students participated beautifully by joining in with the singing as the 3 Parish Schools celebrated Mass online through Teams. 

PROJECT COMPASSION

At Mother Teresa School, we are trying to reach out to others and bring hope to those who are less fortunate than ourselves during this time of Lent by raising money for Project Compassion.  We encourage you to talk to your child about the importance of giving to those in need and to give generously.  Each class has a Project Compassion box available for the children’s donations. 

We invite all families to contribute by sending in the envelops each week.  Please talk to your child/ren about this important project and aspect of Lent. Let us remember though that it is not how much we give, but the compassion that accompanies our giving.   

We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. On Wednesday each student received a set of envelopes for their weekly donations. The ELC will be given Project Compassion boxes. This week we raised $422:30 a great effort from everyone and the money goes toward Anatercia in Mozambique. During Lent we will be looking at ways we can follow the beautiful example Jesus showed us.

Anatercia's story Mozambique

Year C | Sunday 6th March | purple

"​Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit through the wilderness where he was tempted."

The Story

Have you ever been really hungry? How long did you have to wait before you had something to eat? ​Spend a moment to say a prayer for children around the world who are hungry and who may not have any food to eat today.

In the first week of Lent we always hear the story of Jesus’ time in the wilderness where he is tested by the devil. Jesus went to the desert to make him stronger and to give him time to understand the focus of his mission on earth.

​The devil tested Jesus in all the ways he could think of, but Jesus did not give in. Then the devil went away.

The Scriptures

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke    4:1-13

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit through the wilderness where he was tempted.

When Jesus returned from the Jordan River, the power of the Holy Spirit was with him, and the Spirit led him into the desert. For forty days Jesus was tested by the devil, and during that time he went without eating. When it was all over, he was hungry. The devil said to Jesus, "If you are God's Son, tell this stone to turn into bread." Jesus answered, "The Scriptures say, 'No one can live only on food.' "

Then the devil led Jesus up to a high place and quickly showed him all the nations on earth.  The devil said, "I will give all this power and glory to you. It has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. Just worship me, and you can have it all." Jesus answered, "The Scriptures say: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!' "

Finally, the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem and had him stand on top of the temple. The devil said, "If you are God's Son, jump off. The Scriptures say: 'God will tell his angels to take care of you. They will catch you in their arms, and you will not hurt your feet on the stones.' " Jesus answered, "The Scriptures also say, 'Don't try to test the Lord your God!' " 

After the devil had finished testing Jesus in every way possible, he left him for a while.
​
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Something to Think About

The biggest part of the test Jesus faced was how to use ‘power’.

Jesus did not use his power to benefit himself but rather to please God.

We all have power of some kind.  What sort of power do you have to do good things in the world?  

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH

Please click on the link below to stay connected with Fr Mark, Fr Thonn and the Team at Holy Spirit Church. https://www.holyspiritgungahlin.org.au/category/parish-newsletter/

Please bring an item of non-perishable food to fill our empty pantry so that our Vinnies team can continue to help the community.

Peace and Best Wishes.

Anne Leet (Religious Education Co-Ordinator)