In Sunday’s Gospel (John 15:9-17), Jesus says, ‘I want you to love each other in the same way as I have loved you. I have chosen you to be my friends and am sending you out to share this love with the rest of the world.’ We are called to proclaim our love for God and each other, but how do we put that into action? We can make everything we do a little act of love for God. If we love God, we love one another! Our students this week will be encouraged to put this into action by; becoming aware of where help is needed, helping others and appreciating the help of others. Keeping our learning and playing areas clean by helping put the rubbish in the correct bins ensures love for each other’s well-being and God’s creation.

This week at Holy Spirit, we value courage. Most often, we associate courage with physical prowess or bravery. Courage can also be seen in the form of being honest, fair, not giving up, being a peacemaker. This type of courage often requires us to sometimes step out of our comfort zone and do something we might not usually do but know we must as it is the right thing. This week, we encourage our students to think how they can be courageous and help others.

Saturday 1 May - FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER

We celebrate two feast days for Joseph: March 19 for Joseph, Mary's husband, and May 1 for Joseph, the Worker. Saint Joseph is the model for all who work because, in his humble and simple work as a carpenter, he cared for the holy family and provided for Mary and Jesus' needs. Through Saint Joseph, we can learn the importance of diligence and faithfulness in our daily lives and work.

MAY, THE MONTH OF MARY

By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a certain devotion.  In May, it is the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This devotion arose among Jesuits in Rome in the late 18th century and quickly spread throughout the Western Church.  There are several Marian feast days in May in honour of Mary including; Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament (13th May), Feast of Mary Help of Christians (24th May) and Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (31st May).

Hail Mary, Full of Grace,

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death.

Amen.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller - APRE