Sunday’s gospel told the story of Jesus walking on water towards the disciple’s boat in a storm.  Peter got out of the boat and walked towards Jesus but as he moved further from the safety of the boat and felt the strength of the wind, he grew afraid and started to sink.  Jesus reached out his hand and pulled Peter to safety.  Sometimes we are like Peter - full of courage and enthusiasm, but often let down by our lack of faith and fear of the unknown.  Jesus is always forgiving and ready to reach out to save us. 

This week we value persistence, a quality of The SPIRIT Way.  To have persistence is to be able to continue in an opinion or course of action despite the difficulties or opposition faced.  Our students are encouraged to always do their best, be ready to learn at school and always model respectful behaviour.  We see examples of this when students try even when they find the work frustrating, be motivated to keep going regardless of the reward and rise to the challenges with their best efforts.  This week we pray that our students be encouraging to others and be the best they can be.

On Saturday, August 15, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”.  Although defined as an article of faith by Pope Pius XII just over half a century ago, the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times.

The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.  The Feast of the Assumption gives each of us great hope as we contemplate this one facet of the beautiful woman of faith, our Blessed Mother.  Mary moves us by example and prayer to grow in God’s grace, to be receptive to His will, to convert our lives through sacrifice and penance, and seek that everlasting union in the Heavenly Kingdom. 

God bless.

Caroline Fuller