This Sunday 14 June - Church feast of CORPUS CHRISTI - the ‘Body and Blood of Jesus Christ’

The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is a re-enactment of the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. At the meal Jesus shared unleavened bread and wine (the staple food of the time) and he instructed his disciples to continue to do this to remember him.

‘And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you (on the Cross); do this in remembrance of me.” … he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you (on the Cross). Do this in memory of me.”

Catholics believe that the piece of bread (host) that is "taken, blessed, broken and given" by the priest, becomes the life of Jesus which was taken, blessed, broken (on the cross) and given in sacrifice for us.

Although the bread and wine physically remain the same, when it is blessed during the Mass it is transformed beyond human comprehension into Jesus. This is called Transubstantiation (the real presence of Jesus in Holy Communion) and it is the most important act of worship.

We go to Mass to receive Jesus’ in Holy Communion just as he asked us to do. And by doing this we are united with each other and strengthened and nourished by Jesus himself for the journey of our lives.

After we receive Jesus at Mass, we are told by the priest to GO FORTH… This means that the Mass is only the beginning; that we are to take Jesus love and share it with all those we meet outside the Church.

A message from St Vincent de Paul Society:

Thank you for your continuous support to the work that we do, we appreciate the generosity and kindness that your school and young people continue to show.

Traditionally the Vinnies Winter Appeal launches each year on the 1st of May.

This year Vinnies has launched a COVID-19 Crisis Appeal to raise funds in response to the additional need we are seeing due to COVID-19. Right now, there are millions of vulnerable Australians living in poverty who need emergency food and financial support. Those who have recently lost their jobs are also coming to Vinnies for assistance and many will be using the services for the first time. Your generosity will be going directly to people doing it tough.

St Mary’s Mini Vinnies Team

Your gold coin donations for our Superhero Fundraiser day in week 9 will help raise desperately needed funds for Vinnie’s COVID-19 Crisis Appeal. Donations can also be made online at www.vinnies.org.au/covid19crisisappeal or by calling 13 18 12.

Please remember to support our St Mary’s Mini Vinnies team in their efforts to keep the poor and homeless warm this winter with donations of the following:

• New thick socks
• New gloves/mittens/beanies
• Warm Coats, jumpers and scarves
• Sleeping bags

 (please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)

Donations may be delivered to St Mary’s Primary School office.