The disciples, James and John, wanted Jesus to promise them a special place beside Him in Heaven in Sunday’s Gospel. This caused the disciples to argue about which one of them was the greatest and, therefore, deserved the best place. Jesus reminded them that God the Father decides who deserves a place in heaven and they would be measured by their goodness and willingness to think of others before themselves. Conflicts are inevitable in the playground. Children have different ideas, solutions and ways of approaching problems. Because of this, it’s important that they learn how to resolve differences peacefully (without giving in) and how to get along well with others. Conflict resolution skills are gained by experience and practice: modelling the process and guiding students to employ effective strategies to peacefully resolve differences helps them develop stronger relationships. 

This week at Holy Spirit we value service. Service is giving to others, or to a larger purpose, 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. One kind act is to support our Mini Fete this Friday and participate in the many stalls where all donations will go to Catholic Mission.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY: This Sunday, 20th October, is World Mission Sunday. Catholic Mission announced the theme for 2024 is "Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet". This year’s theme reflects the inclusive and urgent call to bring God's love to everyone. We can all join in this universal mission to spread the Gospel and
invite all to experience the joy of Christ's message!

MINI FETE: This 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 stalls. If you can 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. The afternoon concludes with 4 of our staff members being slimed by students.

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 around 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.

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