Dear Parents and Caregivers
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost.
At Pentecost, Christ promised his Apostles that He would send his Holy Spirit, and on Pentecost, they were granted the gifts of the Spirit. The Apostles began to preach the Gospel in all of the languages that the Jews who were gathered there spoke, and about 3,000 people were converted and baptised that day.
Pentecost is the birth of the Church and a cause for great jubilation because we have received the power of the Spirit just as Jesus’ followers did on the day of the Spirit’s arrival!
As people of God upon receiving this great gift we are sent out into the world to bring about Jesus’ peace, joy, love and forgiveness to everyone.
This is why Pentecost is often called 'the birthday of the Church'. On this day, with the descent of the Holy Spirit, Christ's mission was completed, and the New Covenant inaugurated.
Confirmation Celebration
Next Wednesday, 12 June students from SJMS will be Confirmed at St Ignatius Church.
During the celebration, Vicar General, Fr Philip Marshall will use these words 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’ as he anoints the candidates with the oil of Chrism during the Confirmation Ceremony. This seal, will mark them as a witness of Christ.
At Pentecost, the Apostles received the fullness of the Holy Spirit enabling them to evangelise and serve God. Through Confirmation, we too are prepared for public ministry and receive the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which help us to be holy.
Confirmation Prayer
Spirit of God, grant me:
the gift of wisdom to see the world through your eyes,
the gift of right judgement to make difficult decisions,
the gifts of knowledge and understanding
to use my mind to know you and to love you,
the gift of courage to live in the faith
despite difficulties and disappointments
the gift of reverence to be able to express
my special love and commitment to you
and the gift of awe and wonder
that makes me revere God's love.
Amen.
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
To support our local Vinnies chapter, we will be holding our Winter Appeal in Week 9 on Friday 29 June.
During the cold, winter months the demand on St Vincent de Paul for food items and toiletries increases. We are asking our families to donate non-perishable food or toiletries that we can pass onto the St Vincent de Paul chapter in the Norwood Parish to support families within our community who made need a helping hand.
A reminder will be sent in Week 9 for your support, so perhaps while you are out shopping over the next few weeks, you might consider popping an item you could donate into your trolley.
Thank you for your support
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield