Martha and Mary lived in Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem.  They were close friends of Jesus who often came to visit them when he passed that way.  Jesus and his disciples had been invited to stay for a meal, but while Martha was busy preparing the meal, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to him, speak.  Martha grew angry at having to do all the work, but Jesus, while grateful for what Martha had done, told her that Mary had done the right thing.  He was happy that Mary had chosen to take time to listen to the word of God (Luke 10:38-42).

This week at Holy Spirit we value trust.  Trust is the belief and confidence in the integrity, reliability and fairness of a person, an essential human value that quantifies and defines our interdependence in relationships with others.  Trust is a choice we make toward someone when we are inspired that they have either earned our confidence or are by some other means worthy of it.  It is difficult to acquire and when fractured even harder to redeem, so perhaps the lessons of trust are not not how to earn it, but what it takes to keep it.  Perhaps the greatest value of trust is not the accomplishments we make with it, but rather what trust accomplishes in us on our quest to become people who are worthy of receiving it from others.  Trust brings out the very best in people.  This week we pray our students show those around them that they are that special person in their lives that they can trust.

Next week we celebrate Catholic Education Week.  The theme for Catholic Education Week in Queensland in 2019 is ‘Many Voices. One Spirit’.  This theme has been chosen for its promotion and support of inclusiveness.  The ‘Many Voices’ represent those of students, teachers, families, communities, parish, social services and government within all five dioceses in Queensland and include students of all educational ages (kindergarten to university) and beliefs.  ‘One Spirit’ will be interpreted differently by different audiences and could include for example:  faith, the Holy Spirit, charisms, or school spirit, team spirit, parish spirit, family spirit.  The theme brings feelings of energy, enthusiasm, love, joy, values, relationships, togetherness, learning, unity and belonging – all ideals relevant to Catholic schools in Queensland.  Next week our Term 3 Year 6 Leaders will attend the Catholic Education Week Mass at the Cathedral that will be presided by Bishop Tim.  We will also have a Whole School Liturgy on Wednesday morning.

Alpha Program Reminder

Have your heard about Alpha?  ALPHA is a series of gatherings with the aims of loving, learning and living by bringing people into a relationship with Jesus by sharing the good news of the ‘gospel.' It involves each week gathering, commencing with a shared meal, friendly interaction and getting to know each other, prayer and watching a 30 minute video, then breaking into small groups to discuss and share thoughts, experiences and questions about each video. One weekend during the series we will hold a day retreat especially focusing on the Holy Spirit - who He is, what He does and how we can be filled with the Holy Spirit. There is no cost involved, apart from your own time and now and again bringing along a meal to share. All people are welcome as well as family and friends from other areas, those not practising their faith and or those interested in exploring the Catholic Faith. Alpha will be run in Holy Spirit Parish again this year, following its success last year and will commence on Thursday 25th July from 6-8 pm and then on each Thursday evening till September. For further information or to register, please contact Blanche on 0428 736 726 or blanchecrisp@gmail.com

God bless.

Caroline Fuller