The Pharisees were jealous of Jesus in Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 22:15-21) and were trying desperately to get rid of him.  So they tried to trap him by asking, “Tell us then, is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  They were expecting him to tell people to give their money to God and not to the Romans which the Pharisees knew would get him arrested and punished for treason.  Jesus’ answer was not just clever, it had a very basic message that we often forget:  God is in control!  We don't need to try to manipulate God or others.  If we are faithful to God, we will give him the gift of ourselves and live the values we are taught.  For our students being honest and admitting we have made a mistake allows reconciliation and mending of relationships to happen so our school is a peaceful place.

This week at Holy Spirit we value service.  Service is giving to others, or to a larger purpose, or to life.  You serve with a giving attitude, without selfishness and self-interest.  The attitude and virtue of service is motivated by love, caring, and goodwill.   It is when we have an unselfish desire to help others or to help in a larger purpose.  This week we pray for our students and family members to continue their kind acts towards others to have a positive influence on those around them.

As you all know, October is Missions Month which is a time when we can teach our children to respect people from other cultures and reach out to those people, particularly children who live in poverty.  During October, children are encouraged to participate in two coloured clothes days.  On these days, children are asked to make a gold coin donation.  All money raised will support Catholic Missions and the wonderful work they do.  This Friday, children can go tropical to support Missions.  We thank all our families in advance for supporting Catholic Missions.

From the Diocese…

St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal Launch:  St Vincent de Paul Society QLD invite you to the launch of their Christmas Appeal on Thursday 12th November from 1:30pm at St Anthony’s Church, Veales Road, Deeragun.  RSVP at 4430 4002 or Townsville.office@svdpqld.org.au 

Please contact us if you would like a supporter box to collect donations in your workplace or community group for our Christmas appeal to help families in the Townsville region.  Donations of non-perishable food items, gifts, or money would be appreciated.

Furniture Donations:  St Vincent de Paul Society Townsville are urgently seeking your donations of good quality second-hand furniture for local families in crisis. Items such as bed bases and mattresses, dining tables & chairs, Lounge suites, wardrobes & chests of drawers are in high demand and our stocks are low. If you would like to donate please contact Vinnies on 4430 4002 or Townsville.office@svdpqld.org.au to arrange collection.

Mothers Prayers:  The Mothers Prayers Annual Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 24th October, 9am, at the Ryan Community Centre. The theme for this year is “Faith gives you the ability to handle the storm”. Please join us as we celebrate our Annual Mass. Children and Families welcome. Morning tea afterwards. For further information please contact Janice Boscacci on 0401 581 925.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller