This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost Sunday.  In John’s Gospel, Jesus comes to his small group of terrified disciples and offers peace with the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This peace transforms the terrified disciples into a community of believers who go forth from that locked room to preach to the world the very mission that had led to the crucifixion of Jesus!  Pentecost is a good time to stop and acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, to take stock of how we are using our gifts and talents for the good of our families and school community.   

This week at Holy Spirit, we value helpfulness.  Our students are encouraged this week to be aware of others and help them if and when needed.  Helping others shows our love for others and our willingness to assist those in need.  What better way to show that the value of helpfulness is alive and well at Holy Spirit as we offer assistance, especially during these unusual times.  

Yesterday was National Sorry Day and is the start of National Reconciliation Week.  The theme this year is, 'In this together'.  “The National Reconciliation Week 2020 theme reinforces that we all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.” 

“When we come together to build mutual respect and understanding, we shape a better future for all Australians.”  (Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer)

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.

Re-Opening of Churches

Last week the Queensland Government outlined a road map for the return of services after COVID-19. Bishop Tim has written to all Priests and Parishes to advise that Churches will remain closed until the commencement of Stage 2 which is the weekend of the 13th of June.  Bishop Tim has asked Priests and Parishes to prepare plans to provide a COVIDSafe Parish from this date.  It is our responsibility to ensure that when our Parishes open, they provide a safe and hygienic environment for the community to gather.

Stage 2 only allows for 20 people to gather for any individual gathering.  How this will happen is unique for each Parish.  Please continue to stay connected to your Parish community through these notices and join in an online Mass.  Pray at home information and resources is available from www.tsv.catholic.org.au/covid-19

God Bless

Caroline Fuller