After overhearing the Pharisees complaining about him spending so much time with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus told a number of parables (Luke 15:1-32). The Lost Coin is the story of a poor woman who lost one coin from her savings. She searched and searched the house, carrying on until her efforts were rewarded and she found it. The Prodigal Son told the story of a father who forgave his son the bad choices he made and welcomed him home. The Pharisees were very proud of their “goodness” and their obedience of the law. They would not associate with people they considered to be sinners and yet Jesus welcomed sinners, forgiving them and offering them a new start.

This week at Holy Spirit we value compassion, meaning sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Compassion gives us the ability to understand someone else's situation and the desire to take action to improve their lives. It is the quality that allows us to step outside of ourselves and see the circumstances of others. It supplies the will power to do what is necessary to make the world a more caring place. This week, we pray our students show compassion to those around them.

Last Thursday night, a number of our Year 6 Mini Vinnies students participated in our Homelessness Awareness Night. We were joined by Mary McAuliffe, Youth Engagement and Development Officer for the Townsville Diocese, St Vincent de Paul Society Branch. Mary shared statistics and information about Australia’s Homeless population. Throughout the night, the students participated in activities that raised awareness about the misfortune of others. One of the highlights was using cardboard boxes only to make a form of shelter that they then explained to the group. Thank you to all our families for supporting the night by donating much needed items for people in our community. Your compassion and generosity will be very much appreciated.

Tomorrow is the special feast of the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  We honour Mary as a Spirit-filled person who listened to God speaking to her.  Mary showed the fruits of the Spirit in the way she lived her life.  She can inspire us all and show us how to be patient, kind, joyful and hope-filled people so that we too can live out Jesus’ message.  

Loving God, You love us and want us to be happy.
Help us to use the gifts of the Spirit like Mary did.
May we be inspired by the qualities Mary showed and look to her as a model of kindness and goodness, patience and peace, love and joy.

We ask this prayer through Jesus, Your Son.

Amen.

Have a great week.
God bless.
Caroline Fuller

Year 2 Liturgy is on Thursday 15th September

at 2pm in the church.

This earring was lost on the day of the book week parade.  

If anyone has found it could they please hand it in to the office.   

Thank you.

Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system.  To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:  

Flexischools

Physical activity is critical for children's quality of life

This research examined the relationship between children’s 24-hour time use and their health-related quality of life. It finds that physical activity matters most to children’s quality of life across all age groups – more so than screen time and sleep.

Coffee Connections, Brunch in the Bush - Thursday 6 October

Townsville ADF families, this month we’re heading to the Thuringowa Branch of the RSL for our ‘Coffee connections’ where you can come for a cuppa and cake from10.30am and/or stay for lunch from 11.30am.

This is a self-funded activity. Attendees are responsible for the cost of purchasing/providing their own food and drinks. Children are welcome under parent/guardian supervision.

Where: RSL Thuringowa Branch, 13 Kelso Dr Kelso

When: Thursday 6 October from 10:30am - 12:30pm

Registration: Eventbrite - Coffee Connections

Defence Family Fun Day, Melville’s Farm - Saturday 8 October

ADF families, come along to the biggest North Queensland Defence member and family event of 2022!

Entry to our family fun day is on us and exclusive to all local ADF members - singles and couples, and their partners and immediate families.

From tractor rides to giant slides, farm animals galore and much more to explore, there’ll be something for everyone to see and do.

Where: Melville’s Farm, 45 Alligator Creek Rd, Alligator Creek

When: Saturday 8 October from 3:30pm-7:00pm

Registration: Eventbrite - Defence Family Fun Day

Wellbeing Day, Barry’s Place Lavarack Barracks - Monday 10 October

Townsville Defence members and/or their family members and spouses are invited to our Wellbeing Day as part of QLD Mental Health Week.

Come along and enjoy a mix of wellbeing activities, including mindfulness exercises, yoga and sound immersion. Morning tea will be provided on arrival and lunch is on us.

Where: Barry’s Place (3CER) Lavarack Barracks

When: Monday 10 October

Registration: Eventbrite - Wellbeing Day

Get to know us before you need us: Meet DMFS North Queensland

Did you know that the DMFS NQ team provide support and services to Defence members and families in both Townsville and Cairns? The NQ team comprises many specialised staff, under the leadership of NQ Area Manager, Rachel Baker. The multidisciplinary team includes 5 Defence Social Workers (DSW), 3 Military Support Officers (MSO), 2 Family Liaison Officers (FLO), 1 Education Liaison Officer (EDLO) and a Business Support Officer (BSO).

Members of the team also travel to remote locations of FNQ such as Mount Isa and Thursday Island, and always look forward to connecting with the wider Defence community.

Recently our NQ team came together to participate in valuable professional development. There have been many new members join our team this year, so it was a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills and come together as a wider team.

Defence Member and Family Helpline

For advice, support or local community information, contact our all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline. Run by Defence Member and Family Support, the helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that we offer to help Defence families manage the military way of life.

The helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals, including social workers and psychologists.

We welcome donations and are grateful for the families that have donated to the program this term.

We are also thankful for the Mini Vinnies students who have volunteered to assist with preparation and serving toast on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

We wish everyone a safe and restful holiday...see you in Term 4!

If your child is going to be absent, please enter the details through Compass, as this is the most efficient way to inform the school.