This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday.  The readings tell of the coming of the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had promised.  The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to spread the message of Jesus.  He also gave them seven gifts:  joy, love patience, kindness, understanding, reverence (respect) and courage.  We receive the Holy Spirit in a special way at Baptism and it is then renewed in us at Confirmation.  The Bishop lays his hands upon each child and says, ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.’  The gifts of the Holy Spirit can help us follow the right path in our daily lives and fill us with God’s goodness.  Next Monday, students in the Sacramental Programme will be confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion.  Please continue to keep these students in your prayers.

O God, send forth your Holy Spirit into my heart 
that I may perceive, into my mind that I may remember, 
and into my soul that I may meditate. 
Inspire me to speak with piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy.
Teach, guide and direct my thoughts and senses from beginning to end.
May your grace ever help and correct me, 
and may I be strengthened now with wisdom from on high,
for the sake of your infinite mercy.
Amen.

by Saint Anthony of Padua

This week at Holy Spirit we value justice.  Justice, for many people, refers to fairness.  We should always be looking to discover ways in which we are called to be people for others.  We are called to:  show dignity to others; help those in need with the essentials required for a decent life (food, clothing and shelter); pay special attention to the needs of those who are poor; care for one another; care for all that God has made.   This week we pray that our students pay attention to those around them and be examples of showing justice to others.

National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May to 3 June each year.   It is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.    The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.  Last week our school community gathered for a Liturgy where each class made a pledge to be the change.

Read more at the National Reconciliation Week website at https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/