First Eucharist Sunday

Last Sunday 14 children from our Parish received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion at St. Anthony’s Church.

This was a beautiful celebration for the children who have been preparing to receive the Sacrament this year. In this Sacrament we remember what Jesus did for us in his life, death and resurrection. We remember particularly the Last Supper, that final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. At that meal Jesus gave us the Eucharist so that we could remember him in a special way. When we receive Communion, we believe that we receive the person of Jesus into our very beings. We become one with him, and we become one with each other. As a community we become 'the body of Christ'. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

Thank you to all families who supported the children on the day. Special thanks to Mrs Jill Parker for the Church decorations and to Mrs Penny Lucas for the wonderful celebration cupcakes which were enjoyed by all. Thanks to Tilly Bowman, Poppy Lucas and Talia McKay who supported their friends by forming the choir on the day. Special thanks for the joint efforts of parents, teachers’ and Father Lolesio for the weeks of preparation with the children.

Congratulations to all the children for their dedication to the Sacrament preparations this year and for the beautiful way in which they conducted themselves on the day.

The First Holy Communion Candidates: Imogen Smith, Zoe Lenehan, Grace Metcalfe, Beatrice Lucas, Thomas Edwards, Emerson Mann-Rea, Billy Corkhill, Bella Betts, Ryan Sumich, Charlie Jackson, Tommie Parker, Michael Oakley, Skye Peterson, Tomas Mariani and Father Lolesio.

The Feast of the Assumption – 15th August

Yesterday, our classes gathered together in prayer to acknowledge the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Feast Day which falls on Saturday (August 15^th). Our Catholic tradition teaches us that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into Heaven as a reward for her faithfulness. Her life and devotion should be an example for all of us. Thank you to the Year 4 children for leading a beautiful liturgy. The Assumption of Mary is one of the most important events in the Christian community. This day is considered as the heavenly birthday of our Virgin Mary. https://www.catholic.org/                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3cM45ki1M0&feature=youtu.be

Readings this Weekend – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

GOSPEL:  Matthew 15:21-28
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2015%3A21-28&version=NIV

A Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter.

Gospel Focus

This week’s gospel provides an illustration of Jesus’ response to those in need. Jesus has travelled to the area of Tyre and Sidon – part of modern-day Lebanon. He was physically removing himself from the place of his very active ministry and taking a break. When the Canaanite woman approaches Jesus and his disciples, she is an interruption, a nuisance. Jesus is very abrupt with her. He tells her simply that his ministry is to the house of Israel – the Jews – and is not for her. But the woman is persistent and again asks Jesus to help her.

The woman’s persistence and faith pay off. Jesus is moved by her faith and through that faith heals the woman’s daughter. Despite his initial reluctance, Jesus responds with compassion to the woman’s request. It is as though she needed to demonstrate that she was really serious and that she did in fact believe that Jesus could make a difference in her life and the life of her daughter. This is an important story in Matthew’s gospel. This gospel story reveals that the ministry of Jesus and the reign of God is open to anyone who believes.  (Excerpts taken from Greg Sunter Reflection).

Thought of the Week

Wishing everybody a wonderful weekend.

God bless,

Donna Wade