This Sunday’s gospel is from  Mark 6:1-6

“Jesus went on to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honour, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching.”

Jesus is saddened and amazed: he wanted to bring joy and healing to his neighbours but they would have none of it. They were foolish indeed. But what about me? Do I block him off and go my own way? Is he sometimes amazed at my unbelief, my lack of appreciation of my need of him? I am meant to turn to him in every difficulty: that is what prayer is about. It would be sad if I were to go through life as though I were on my own, when all the time he is knocking at my door.

The wisdom of Jesus came from heaven and earth. He had a calm way of seeing the meaning in things and events. This was born of earth and of his divine origin in heaven. People couldn't accept the ordinariness of Jesus - that he grew up in a normal family which was named and well-known in Nazareth. Sometimes we find it hard to see the grace of God near to us, under our noses as it were. In the ordinariness of life and of love, of misunderstanding and hurt, of care and compassion, the grace of God and the love of God are active and alive.

Term 3 Friday Parish Mass – 9:15am at St Philip’s

Friday Parish mass will resume in Week 2 next term.

Week 2: 2^nd August-Year 2

Week 3: 9^th August-Year 6 and Kinder

We would love to have you join them if you are able.

Religious Education

What’s happening in Year 4?

Year 4 have been learning about The Sacrament of Confirmation. In preparation for receiving this special sacrament they have been learning about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is often a tricky concept for children but can be made more real by speaking about the Holy Spirit as our friend and helper.

What’s Happening in Year 5?

Year 5 have been learning about Catholic Chrisitan Values. The students have specifically learnt about dignity in relation to the Catholic Social teachings. If we are created in the likeness of God, then when we show dignity to others, we are showing dignity to God and being like God for others.

Amity writes: I have learnt that everyone is made in the image and likeness of God and so they should be treated with dignity and respect. We need to try to be kind to everyone no matter who they are. We should have empathy for everyone, to be humble and not show off.

Hariette writes: Jesus treats everyone with dignity because we are all human on the inside and even if we look different wea re all the same.

Sophia writes: Dignity: needs to be shown to all (I am not better than the bus driver or the homeless man nor anyone else).Catholic Social Teachings: teaches us that we are created in the image and likeness of God.Respect: is honouring everyone.

Kiera writes: Jesus treated everyone with dignity because he give everyone a second chance. He believes everyone should be treated the same, even a king, or a villager or a peasant should be treated the same. He wanted equality.

Hazel writes: I have learnt how to understand that if you show dignity to someone you are behaving in the likeness of God. I understand that some people have special needs and need more attention.

Maggie writes: Jesus showed dignity to everyone because he wants people to apply this message in their everyday lives and not treat anyone unfairly.

Term 3 Liturgies and Celebrations

• Andrew Chinn Workshops and Concert (1:45pm): 31^st July

• Father’s Day: Friday 30^th August

• Grandparents Day: Friday 20^th September

Sacramental Program

The Parish Sacramental Program will continue in Term 3 with the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Below is an outline of important dates for you to remember if your child is participating in the program, beginning with the Commitment Mass on Saturday 27^th July at 5:00pm in St Philip’s Church at Kotara.

Please find attached the last letter sent by Sr Lucie with reminders and the link to pay the donation online if you wish to do so.

Andrew Chinn Workshops and Concert-31^st July

Andrew Chinn is a Christian singer and songwriter for children, for use in Religious Education and liturgy.  Andrew has an extensive background in Catholic education having taught in Catholic primary schools in Sydney for twenty years.

Andrew is the co-creator  Butterfly Music which provides quality resources to enhance the teaching of Religious Education with a particular emphasis on the Catholic faith. Andrew tours extensively around Australia, New Zealand and North America, visiting schools and parishes, sharing his faith through music.

We look forward to working with Andrew on the 31^st July where he will facilitate workshops K-6 and then the children will perform some of Andrew’s songs in a concert in the afternoon at 1:40pm in the hall.