Pentecost Sunday
Last Sunday 31May was the feast of Pentecost. Our parish would normally celebrate with a big multicultural feast, with prayers and hymns in other languages and then the sharing of multicultural foods. Unfortunately, this was not to be in these trying times.

The Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost fifty days after Easter Sunday. Pentecost Sunday ends the season of Easter.

Before he returned to his Father in Heaven, the risen Jesus visited his disciples and promised to send the Holy Spirit to help them. We read in Scripture that one morning when the disciples were gathered together with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and some other women, they suddenly heard a noise like a strong wind. Then they saw what looked to be flames of fire over each of them. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts of the Apostles, 2:4)

The Holy Spirit filled the disciples with courage and faith, empowering them to share the Good News with others. They began to tell others about Jesus, and that he died for us and rose to new life. On this day, the gift of the Spirit allowed the disciples to communicate even with those who spoke different languages.

On Pentecost, the Apostle Peter spoke to a gathered crowd. He asked the people to be baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Many people were baptized that day. The Apostles continued to baptize many people. They laid their hands on them so that they might receive the Holy Spirit, giving them strength and courage.

The Holy Spirit came to the disciples on Pentecost. God the Father and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help and guide the Church. The event of Pentecost changed the world and gave rise to today’s Church. The Holy Spirit is still with us today.

This feast is particularly relevant for those children who receive Confirmation this year. At this stage, we still have no decision on Sacraments and we will keep you informed as changes happen.

Masses
At this stage, churches will be open for 50 worshippers from this Sunday. Most parishes are setting up a register for those who wish to attend. Please contact the parish office if you would like to register your interest to attend Sunday Mass. Parish Office Hours are 9.00 am to 1.30 pm Tuesday to Friday. Phone - 4276 3565.

Prayer
As a school, we are unable to assemble, but as a Catholic School, we continue to pray each day. Morning prayer is said over the microphone and other prayers are prayed in the classroom. Last Friday we had a National Reconciliation Liturgy over the microphone led by Mrs Mansbridge and Year 3. In this time it is important we continue to pray for our needs and the needs of our community and our world.

This is my favourite prayer that always helps me:

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints
It was then that I carried you."

Announcement from the Bishop regarding the Friars in our parishes of
Warrawong and Berkeley