Religious News
This week’s Gospel is from John 14:23-29
Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.
“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe. (NRSVU)
Jesus gently tries to prepare the disciples for the day when he will no longer be present to them in bodily form. Unlike us, who know the story, they did not know what was coming next, so they are confused. God helps us to grow even in times of confusion. Jesus is inviting his followers not to cling to his physical presence, but to be open to a deeper way of being in relationship with Him. Often, we find it hard to let go, and to embrace the new. But in clinging to the past, we are in danger of letting the present become dead to us.
Catholic Schools Week
From 2th to 6th June, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week—a time to honour the vibrant community that we have here at St James. This week highlights the dedication of staff, the growth of students, and the shared mission to nurture each child spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically. Catholic education is about helping every student flourish and become the person God calls them to be, through learning that inspires both the heart and mind.
We have much to be proud of and are deeply grateful for our thriving community, where teachers, parents and parish come together in unparalleled levels of care providing safe, supportive and inclusive surroundings which nurture students’ wellbeing, confidence and hope for themselves.
In this Jubilee Year, we are blessed with opportunities to share the love of Jesus Christ and remind ourselves that growing in faith builds firm trust in God’s promises. It is our trust in God’s promises that fills us with hope—even in our darkest moments, God's faithfulness never fades. May this week inspire us to live each day with joyful hearts and steadfast hope in the Lord.
We pray together:
Loving God,
May the God of hope fill us with joy and peace
as together we guide and nurture the minds and hearts of the young.
May the God of hope grant us wisdom to live with truth, patience to lead with compassion, and faith to inspire with love.
May we always find strength in the mission to reflect Christ’s light in our days, and may our work bear lasting fruit in the lives of those we love and serve.
Amen.
Please come and join us on Monday 2nd June at 9:15 am in the hall to celebrate Catholic Schools week with liturgy at 9:15 am in the hall.
Term 2 Liturgies and Celebrations:
| Week 5 |
Year 4 Friday Parish Mass 9:15am |
| Week 6 | Catholic Schools Week Liturgy Monday 2nd June 9:15am in the hall. |
| Week 7 | Year 3 Friday Parish Mass 9:15am |
| Week 8 | Kinder and Year 6 Friday Parish Mass 9:15am |
| Week 9 | Year 2 Friday Parish Mass 9:15am |
| Week 10 | Year 1 Friday Parish Mass 9:15am |
St James Vision and Mission Renewal
In 2025, as part of our strategic plan, within the Catholic Identity goal we will be working on renewing our vision and Mission statement for St James. This will be done through professional development as a staff in consultation with all stakeholders: staff, students, parents and carers, and parishioners.
School Vision and Mission statements relay the purpose and guiding principles of a school to the community. They are the “why” and “how’ of a school community. They are written in collaboration with the whole community and reflect what the community is to achieve. Vision and Mission statements are reviewed and renewed approximately every 10 years. St James’ Vision and Mission was last reviewed in 20 and it is timely now, with staff changes over the past few years, new families enrolled and the changes happening to our physical environment that we undertake this task in 2025.
All parents and carers are asked to complete the survey below, which will give you the opportunity to have your voice in the renewing of our Vision and Mission for St James.
Mrs Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator