RE News with Laura Matchett 

Gospel Reflection Matthew 18:21-35

This week’s Gospel holds a profound lesson in forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, which are fundamental values in our Catholic faith. The Gospel begins with Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother. Jesus responds with the parable of the unforgiving servant; the servant owes a great debt to his master, and when he pleads for mercy, the master forgives him completely. However, when the same servant encounters a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller debt and refuses to forgive, he is condemned for his lack of compassion.

This passage reminds us that God's forgiveness is boundless, and we, as His followers, are called to emulate His mercy. It teaches us the importance of forgiving others, even when it may be challenging. It encourages us to understand that forgiveness is not just a matter of personal benefit but also a reflection of God's love working through us. Through sharing this passage with our students this week during our Heart Space session, we hope to instil the values of forgiveness, empathy, and the understanding that we are all recipients of God's unending mercy and grace.

Sacraments 2024

Students who are eligible to make one of the Sacraments (Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation) next year have received a formal invitation from the Parish to be part of the Sacramental program for 2024. These invitations were sent home with students in Year 2-6 last Friday. We encourage you to read the information (on the back of the invitation) and visit the Parish's website for more information. The Parish website is: https:/stjvwestoncreekblogspotcom/ 

If your child has not received an invitation and you would like them to receive one of the Sacraments, or if your child has received an invitation for the wrong Sacrament, please let me know via email: laura.matchett@cg.catholic.edu.au 

Eligibility for each Sacrament is as follows:

Reconciliation - open to students who have been baptised in Year 3 or above.

First Eucharist - open to students who have made their Reconciliation in Year 4 or above.

Confirmation - open to students who have received their First Eucharist in Year 6 or above.

It is possible to receive more than one Sacrament in the same year, however, the Sacraments usually need to made in order (i.e. Reconciliation, followed by First Eucharist, then Confirmation). These questions and other general enquiries about the Sacramental program are best directed to the Parish Office via email: SacramentalOLA@cg.org.au 

Updates and information about the Sacramental program will be published in the school newsletter and Parish bulletin throughout the year.

School Masses Term 3 & 4

As a school, we regularly attend the Wednesday morning 9:30 am 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 next Mass the school will be attending will be on Wednesday 20th September, and this will be led by 5/6J.

Mass Dates for Term 4

18th October: Parish Mass -  9:30am -TBC

Friday 27th October: Grandparents Day Mass -  Time: 9:30am (led by Kinder)

1st November: Parish Mass (All Saints Day) -  9:30am (led by Year 3/4P)

15th November: Parish Mass - 9:30am (led by 5/6P)

29th November: Parish Mass - 9:30am (led by Year 1)

Friday 8th December: Year 6 Graduation Mass -  12:15pm