Do we listen well to each other? Do we, as children do, often interpret what someone is going to say and hear something different to that which is intended? In Sunday’s Gospel, Mark 7:31-37 they brought to Jesus a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech. Jesus put his fingers into his ears and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Be opened.’ And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. By touching his ears and his mouth, Jesus had given the man a voice for the first time. As a result, the man was able to truly hear and understand. We encourage our students to listen carefully to each other and pay attention to what is being said so that it is interpreted correctly with no misunderstandings on either side.

This week at Holy Spirit we value compassion, meaning sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Compassion gives us the ability to understand someone else's situation and the desire to take action to improve their lives. It is the quality that allows us to step outside of ourselves and see the circumstances of others. It supplies the willpower to do what is necessary to make the world a more caring place. This week, we pray our students show compassion to those around them.

This Friday, a number of our Year 6 students will participate in the Mini Vinnies homelessness experience. We will welcome Stephen Gasparini to our school, the Youth Engagement and Development Officer for the Townsville Diocese St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland. Stephen will speak to the students, sharing information on the number of people experiencing homelessness across Australia and how we can help. The children will participate in a number of activities to raise awareness of homelessness. You can help by donating much-needed items for people in our community. This year we encourage donations of cleaning products or toiletry products. Donations can be sent into the office to be part of our donation on Friday night. Your compassion and generosity will be very much appreciated.

This Sunday, 8th September, is the special feast of the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. We honour Mary as a Spirit-filled person who listened to God speaking to her. Mary showed the fruits of the Spirit in the way she lived her life. She can inspire us all and show us how to be patient, kind, joyful and hope-filled people so that we, too, can live out Jesus’ message.

Loving God,                                                                             

You love us and want us to be happy.
Help us to use the gifts of the Spirit like Mary did.
May we be inspired by the qualities Mary showed and look to her as a model of kindness and goodness, patience and peace, love and joy.
We ask this prayer through Jesus, Your Son.
Amen.

God bless.
Caroline Fuller