Religious Education with Mrs Skelly
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday
This Sunday is the Church celebration of Pentecost. Pentecost means ‘fifty’ and this day marks the end of the fifty day period of the Easter season after Jesus’ resurrection.
On the first Pentecost, Mary and the disciples were gathered in prayer. Jesus had been crucified; he was no longer with them in the way he was before. They clung to his promise that he would remain with them in another way, and to the end of the world. He had said: ‘You will see me; because I live, you also will live’(John 14:19). ‘I will reveal myself to those who love me’(John 14:21). ‘I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you’(John 16:22).
The disciples knew they would experience his Spirit, healing, forgiving and comforting them to live with each other in love and peace; and encouraging and empowering them to reach out to others in love. Each one present was given the special gift of the fire of Jesus’ love.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:2-4
Pentecost Sunday is referred to as the Church's birthday. The word ‘Church’ (Ekklesia) actually means “Called Out ones”. Jesus’ disciples were the first to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and be ‘called out’ to continue Jesus’ work; to continue spreading the GOOD NEWS that God loves us and wants us to share in this love.
Today, the word Church still refers to community. The mission of Jesus Christ is the Church’s mission – our mission. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are to proclaim and spread the kingdom of God on earth. ‘THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.’
Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit of God’s love is with us. Our task is to let the Holy Spirit inflame our hearts and stir us to fan that flame of love in all those we meet. We have to look beyond the surface ugliness in our world, and recognise that the only real power in this world is the power of God’s Spirit and that this power is the power of love.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”(Jn 20:21). “I will send you the Helper from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. (John 15:26-27)
Mini Vinnies
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 2020 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/doonas (please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)
Many thanks from St Mary’s Mini Vinnies Team