The Believers were in a room when they heard a powerful wind, and it filled the whole house. Tongues of fire touched each person, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to talk in foreign languages and people from every nation could understand.’ 

                                                                                                                             John 14: 15-16, 23-26

This excerpt from the Gospel of John recounts the coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ disciples. This event is celebrated by Catholics worldwide on Pentecost Sunday which occurred over the long weekend.

The word Pentecost is derived from the Greek word for ’50 days’. Pentecost occurs fifty days after Easter celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection from his death. It is said to be the birthday of the Catholic Church as it was from this time that the disciples began to go forth and spread the good news of Jesus.

At the time, Jewish folk were also marking a special festival called ‘Shavuot’. Shavuot celebrates the wheat harvest and the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses at Mt Sinai. Jewish people and others from many different nations would have been gathered to celebrate this special time.

The disciples, with the help and strength of the Holy Spirit, were able to talk to these people from different nations, spreading the good news.

We also celebrated an important festival over the long weekend-The Henry Lawson Festival. People come from far and wide to celebrate this special time in Grenfell.

I was reminded of the disciples at Pentecost, going forth and spreading the good news of Jesus’ special teachings when I witnessed St Joseph’s students and teachers marching in The Henry Lawson Festival parade with their special message that we at St Joseph’s try to live by: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ It is important for us always to show others the good news of Jesus’ teaching through our actions and treatment of others.

Prayer

Dear God, help me to live out the Gospel message of 'do to others as you would have them do to you' in my daily life. May my actions reflect the love and compassion of Jesus, and may my words inspire others to share in His good news. Open my eyes to opportunities to share the Gospel and give me courage and wisdom to speak with clarity and love. In Jesus' name,

Amen

Warm regards,

Loyola Best

​Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)

Parish News:    SACRAMENTS of Eucharist (16^th, 23^rd and 30^th June-4 p.m. School Library) and Confirmation in 2025 (see below)

Next Week’s Readings: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity: Proverbs 8: 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5: 1-5; John 16: 12-15.