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.

This week at Holy Spirit we value justice. Justice, as we have learnt this year, 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 support those around them in need.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY: This Sunday, 22nd October, is World Mission Sunday. Catholic Mission announced the theme for 2023 is "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move". Inspired by the Pope's message for World Mission Sunday, this year Catholic Mission is raising awareness of the life-giving work of lay and religious missionaries
around the world with the theme "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move".

Mini Fete: Next Friday, our Mini Fete will be held. In the month of October, we as a Catholic Church in Australia focus on supporting missions throughout the world.  In our school community, we will raise funds to support the Missions with our MINI FETE. Children are encouraged to bring a small amount of money (preferably in change) to participate, have fun and support the Missions. Teachers may be asking for assistance or asking for donations for their stall. If you are able to assist, contact your child’s teachers. Thank you all in advance for supporting such a worthy cause. It is always a great afternoon to come together to support those in need.

ST JOHN PAUL II (Feast Day 22 nd October): (1920–2005) The first Polish Pope, John Paul II, was head of the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. John Paul II made extraordinary efforts to reach out to people around the world, to both Roman Catholics and those of other faiths. He loved young people and started World Youth Day so youth from all over the world could meet every few years in faith and carry home the message received there to be Christ’s light to the world. ‘I imagined a powerful moment in which the young people of the world could meet Christ, who is eternally young, and could learn from him how to be bearers of the Gospel to other young people.’  I have been fortunate to attend two WYD’s and be part of these extraordinary spiritual events and meet many people from around the world, gathered as one. 

Prayer to St John Paul II (adapted)

Oh, St. John Paul, from the window of heaven, grant us your blessing!
Bless the church that you loved and served and guided,
courageously leading it along the paths of the world
in order to bring Jesus to everyone and everyone to Jesus.
Bless the young, who were your great passion.
Help them dream again, help them look up high again
to find the light that illuminates the paths of life here on earth.

May you bless families, bless each family!

St. John Paul, with your prayer, may you protect the family
and every life that blossoms from the family.

Pray for the whole world, which is still marked by tensions, wars and injustice.
You tackled war by invoking dialogue and planting the seeds of love:
pray for us so that we may be tireless sowers of peace.
Oh St. John Paul, from heaven's window,
where we see you next to Mary,
send God's blessing down upon us all.

Amen.

God bless.
Caroline Fuller