Peace I leave with you

Having experienced the pain and sorrow of Jesus’ crucifixion, then the joy and new life of His resurrection, His followers have to face the reality of His departure – again. Jesus knows their confusion, pain and sense of loss. Before he leaves them, he gives two parting gifts; The Holy Spirit and His own Peace.

Jesus doesn’t give them all the answers to the questions they have. He knows that they will have to face difficulties, disagreements and differences. So he prepares them for the road ahead by strengthening and encouraging them with His Holy Spirit and His own inner Peace. He is sending them out to proclaim the Good News, but He does not expect them to do it on their own. His ongoing presence reassures them that they will never be alone or helpless.

Neither will the community of believers today. The Christian's life is not shaped by Jesus' absence but by God's abiding presence. We are asked to face our daily reality and lives not just with optimism but also with faith and hope in the risen Jesus and each other.

As our celebration of the Easter season is coming to an end, we remember that Jesus remains with us through the Holy Spirit, who teaches us everything we need to know, reminds us of all that Jesus taught, and brings us peace.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal

Our Year 6 Mini Vinnies students launch the Vinnies Winter Appeal next week!

Every year the St Vincent de Paul Society runs its Winter Appeal to collect items to assist people through the coldest time of the year.

A study titled “Poverty in Australia 2018” which was released last year showed that more than 3 million Australians are currently living in poverty. This figure includes more than 739,000 children aged 12 and under. The St Vincent de Paul Society is able to provide not only emergency assistance to these people – but also a hand up to a better life.

By supporting the 2019 Vinnies Winter Appeal, you are helping provide support to more than 40,000 people from the Canberra/Goulburn region who are currently living in poverty.

Donation of the following items would be greatly appreciated:

• New thick socks
• New gloves/mittens
• Coats and scarves
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/donnas (please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)

Many thanks from St Mary’s Mini Vinnies Team