RE News with Laura Matchett

Gospel Reflection Luke 6:27-38

“Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return.”

For many people, even those who identify themselves as Christians, this may be one of the most difficult passages in the Gospel. It seems to express an idealism that is totally unrealistic and unattainable. In the world we live in today, where do Jesus’ words fit in? It is worth noting that the passage begins: “I say to you who are listening…” In order to understand what Jesus is really saying to us, we have to put aside our prejudices and assumptions and really listen to what he is saying. This passage, in particular, is one where we are likely to react emotionally.

Jesus says: “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you.” We may feel that to follow this teaching is to try something which is totally beyond our capacity, that it would require a tremendous amount of will-power, and that it would only encourage those people to behave even worse.  Yet this is the core of Jesus’ teaching, which he himself practised. The Golden Rule, which is sometimes expressed as “Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you”, is expressed here in positive terms. It’s also worth noting that this golden rule is the foundation belief for nearly every other religious tradition in the world. So it is good to know, we are not alone in our struggles as Christians with this particular teaching from Jesus! As Christians, we pray for the wisdom, strength and courage to follow Jesus’ example.

Adapted from: https:/livingspacesacredspace.ie/o2235g/ 

Reconciliation 2025

Registrations for Reconciliation will close on Friday February 28th and can be made through the Parish’s Qkr! App. Please be in touch with the Parish via email: SacramentalOLA@cg.org.au with any questions about the evening or registration. 

Sacraments 2025

Families of students who are eligible to make one of the Sacraments (Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation) this year are encouraged to visit the Parish website: https:/stjjvwestoncreek.blogspot.com/ for information and registration details for each of the Sacraments. 

Eligibility for each Sacrament is as follows:

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

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

Confirmation - open to baptised Catholic students who have received their First Eucharist and who are 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 

SPAR - Parents and Friends Prayer Group

We held our second SPAR gathering this morning with a small group of parents and friends. A reminder that the group is open to everyone regardless of faith background, practising or non-practising Catholics, those who pray regularly, those who haven’t prayed in a while, anyone considering becoming Catholic, anyone curious about how we pray here at school, or anyone who would like 10 minutes of peace and calm in their week! You don’t need to attend each week, it will always be open to anyone who wants to come along.

The group will run on Thursday mornings in the space between the canteen and the hall. It will start at 8:45am and go for 10 minutes. Parents and friends with younger children are welcome to bring them along where they will be watched by Year 6 students in the hall. The prayer group will focus on reflections on the forthcoming Sunday’s Gospel, Christian meditation, and significant events and feast days central to the Catholic faith. No one will be asked to share or verbally participate unless they feel comfortable to do so. I’d encourage you to consider whether this might be something you give a try this year. Please feel free to contact me: laura.matchett@cg.catholic.edu.au with any questions or feedback (particularly regarding the timing, if this is a barrier for you to attend). I hope to see you there.

School Masses

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. Dates the school will be attending Mass this term are as follows:

Wednesday 5th March: Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:30am

Tuesday 25th March: Our Lady of the Annunciation Feast Day Mass (with St Jude’s),TBC.