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.

This week our Project Compassion feature story is Arsad from Indonesia.  Arsad, an Indonesian farmer, had no toilet in his home, so he had to walk into the forest to the open defecation area, even at night or in the rain.  Around 17 percent of Indonesia’s rural population practice open defecation , with many unaware that it contributes to spreading diseases.

Arsad’s family was often sick and open defecation caused neighbourhood disputes.  With the support of Caritas Australia and its partner, Laz Harfa, he took part in hygiene, sanitation and financial management training.  He decided to fund the building of a toilet in his house and facilitated others in his neighbourhood to save up for toilets.

Now, Arsad and his family are healthier and have reduced their medical expenses.  Their community no longer practices open defecation and is more harmonious.  A community event, called ‘Declaration of Open Defecation-Free’ was even held to acknowledge their achievements.  Improved hygiene practices helped Arsad’s community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Caritas Australia, through Laz Harfa, also shared prevention measures and distributing soap and masks.  Arsad has inspired his neighbourhood to ‘Be More’.

“We help each other, the ‘togetherness’ is growing.  Our solidarity had increased,”  Arsad says.  For more information on Arsad, please visit https://lent.caritas.org.au/week-4 

Becoming New in Christ – Parish Renewal

This year our Parish will join Parishes across the Diocese will commence a renewal journey called Becoming New in Christ.  As we discern what it means to BELONG, Pope Francis has said “I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” 

Find out how you can be involved in our Parishes response to Becoming New in Christ.  If you would like to learn more about the ‘Becoming New in Christ’ Parish Renewal campaign, visit www.tsv.catholic.org.au/becomingnewinchrist 

Sacramental Programme

This weekend our students begin the Sacramental Programme by attending Mass with the parish.  Families are invited to attend one of the following Masses to be introduced to the Holy Spirit Parish:

• 6pm Saturday, 13th March
• 8:30am Sunday, 14th March
• 5:30pm Sunday, 14th March

Please keep our students in your prayers.

Have a great week.

God bless

Caroline Fuller