In this week’s Gospel (Luke 14: 25-33), Jesus reminds us that following Him means putting God first. Just like we plan carefully before starting a big project, being a disciple takes commitment and courage. For families, this can mean choosing kindness, forgiveness, and love, even when it’s hard. When we carry our challenges with faith, we show that Jesus is at the centre of our lives. This week, let’s remember that being a disciple starts in the small things—sharing, helping and caring for one another at home, at school, and in our community. 

This week we value excellence and Jesus reminds us that following Him takes commitment. He talks about planning carefully before building a tower. In the same way, when we choose to follow Jesus, we are called to give our best, not just do things halfway. Excellence means setting high standards for ourselves and taking pride in everything we do. At school, this could be students finishing their work carefully, practising until they improve, or trying again when something is hard. Excellence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about giving our best effort with a good attitude. When we show excellence, we do that by living with faith, kindness and determination. Each time we give our best, we are showing that we want to be true disciples of Jesus. 

The Season of Creation is a time for Christians across the world to come together in prayer and action for the care of Creation and is celebrated from 1 September through to the feast of St. Francis on 4 October. In recent decades, Christians have increasingly focused on the plight of our Earth under the threat of climate change. In 1989, Orthodox Christians proclaimed the Day of Prayer for Creation, an urgency reflected soon after by the World Council of Churches. In 2015, Pope Francis declared the Season of Creation. An annual time of “prayer and action for our common home”, the Season of Creation begins on September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, continuing through to October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who
is the patron saint of the Environment. This initiative has evolved into an annual ecumenical event to encourage Christians and other interested groups to work together through prayer, practical action on sustainability, and advocacy, making a positive impact on the Earth. Peace Within Creation has been chosen as the theme for 2025. 

God bless

Caroline Fuller