APRE News
In the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will teach them everything and remind them of all he has said to them. When we receive the sacrament of Confirmation, we learn of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that bequeath us with: knowledge, understanding, wisdom, courage, right judgement, reverence and awe. Jesus asks us to let the Holy Spirit live in our hearts so we are close to God and filled with his peace and goodness. We encourage our students to stay positive, use their gifts well and when things become difficult or challenging, whether it is in friendships or work, not to give up but keep trying until the situation is resolved or they achieve success. In this way they develop resilience and have the ability to meet life’s challenges positively.
This week at Holy Spirit, we value honesty. Honesty is the foundation upon which a person builds any relationship with their loved ones such as family or friends. By being honest to our loved ones, we make them feel that they are trustworthy and close enough for us to totally expose our true self. This week we pray for our students to be honest and sincere to build trust and relationships with others, using the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
This week is National Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme is ‘Grounded in Truth, Walk Together with Courage’. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Art of Contemplative Practice: exploring and practicing meditation in the Christian tradition: Take on this ‘spiritual boot camp’ and: learn and experience the basics of meditation; establish (or renew) your practice and depth your knowledge of contemplative living; meditate and learn in the company of others who are also seeking to deepen their spirituality and; shape sustainable spiritual practice for everyday wholeness and wellbeing. A Six Week Challenge in attending to your spiritual life will be held on Thursday evenings between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, June 6th to July 11th at the House of Prayer, 17 Thomas Street, Pimlico. Each session will include meditation and teaching on meditation and contemplative living. For more information, please contact the House of Prayer.
Congratulations to those students who received the Sacrament of First Eucharist on Sunday with the Holy Spirit Parish. It was lovely to see so many families and friends support the children on their faith journey. We keep all those remaining students who will receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist this Sunday with the Holy Spirit Parish in our prayers this week. Everyone is welcome to come along to support the children on their faith journey.
God bless,
Caroline Fuller