RE News with Laura Matchett 

Gospel Reflection Matthew 15:21-28

Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’

This week’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ encounter with a Canaanite woman. When the women first approaches Jesus and his disciples, he does not immediately respond to her. Jesus’ unresponsiveness to this woman may strike us as uncharacteristic or shocking. Yet in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry is directed primarily to the people of Israel. At only a very few points, such as the one found in today’s Gospel, do we find Jesus anticipating the later Christian ministry to the rest of the world.

Behind Matthew’s text we can hear this early Christian community’s struggle to understand how God’s selection of Israel is consistent with two events: Israel’s rejection of Jesus and the Gentiles’ acceptance of Jesus. Just as Jesus was surprised by the faith expressed by the Canaanite woman, so too the first Christians were surprised that the Gentiles would receive the salvation God offered through Christ… The faith that the Canaanite woman expresses is an affirmation of and confidence in God’s abundant mercy. Yes, salvation comes through Israel, but it overflows for the benefit of all.

Source: https:/www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-yearsunday-connection/

School Masses Term 3

As a school, we regularly attend the Wednesday morning 9:30am Mass at St John Vianney’s Church. The choir sings at this Mass and sometimes our students have a role in other parts of the celebration. Parents and friends of our school are welcome to join us alongside parishioners at this Mass. 

The dates the school will be attending Mass in Term 3 are:

Week 6: Wednesday 23rd August (led by Year 2)

Week 10: Wednesday 20th September

Confirmation 2023

We ask that you keep our Confirmation candidates and their families in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacrament next week. A reminder to our Confirmation families that Commitment Masses will be held this weekend at all Parish Masses. Candidates need to bring their book with them to give to Father Michael at Mass. The reflection evening will be held on Tuesday evening (August 22nd) at St John VIanney’s Church at 6pm. The evening will be a final opportunity to reflect on the Sacrament which the students are about to receive, as well as going over the instructions for the Mass.

The Confirmation Mass will be held on Wednesday evening (August 23rd) at St John Vianney’s Church at 6pm. The candidates will be confirmed by Arch Bishop Christopher Prowse.

All enquiries about Sacraments are best directed to the Parish via email: sacramentalola@cg.org.au