Season of Easter

This coming Sunday is the fifth Sunday of Easter. In the Gospel (John 13:31-33a,34-35) Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment: love one another. In the Gospel the view of love is not a sentimental one. The love described is the love shown through service and sacrifice. The type of love that is difficult to choose when faced with hatred and anger. Jesus tells the disciples that all will know that they are his disciples because of the love they show for one another. This description of the early Christian community will be repeated in the Acts of the Apostles: “See how they love one another.” Christian love is the hallmark of Christianity. We see it in the people who show their love daily through making small and large sacrifices for others. Is love the first word your family members use to describe their interactions? Love can be difficult. Jesus' sacrifice for us is an example of this. Yet because of love, the glory of God is fully revealed in Jesus. God's glory is revealed in us when we act as the Body of Christ, as individuals and as a community. In the love we have for one another—difficult, challenging, sacrificial love—we find Jesus.

As you reflect on the Gospel of John with your family this week, ask each member to describe a time when they showed love for another.

Student Prayer Focus

Our Student Prayer Focus this week centres on the Gospel of John for this coming Sunday. In classes students hear the scriptures and respond to the question:

What do I wonder about the Gospel this week?

In Year 6 the student's questions about the Gospel were:

I wonder why Jesus tells us to love one another? Finn and Thomas

I wonder why loving others automatically makes you a disciple? By Renee, Emme, Chloe, Zoe P

I wonder why he said ‘glorify’ a lot? Drina, Serafina, Tori and Tashneet

I wonder why is Jesus referring to the disciples as little children? by Savidu and Miller

I wonder who is glorified? By Jake and Will

As a part of our Student Prayer Focus this week you will see that a white leaf is being  added to our trees in each class prayer space. The white leaf is to symbolise the season of Eastertide. On each leaf of a word or phrase is written which symbolise how each class member will work to glorify Christ with their life during the week.

How will you Glorify Christ with your life this week?

Sacramental Information 

Sacrament of First Holy Communion

The  preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will commence on Saturday 18 May at 5.15pm for students Year 4 and older who have made their first Reconciliation. A note with further information will go home this week. Please enrol in this Sacrament by completing the online form at:

http://bit.ly/sacraments2019

Please contact Father Paul  if you have any questions about sacraments at:

paul_nulley@hotmail.com

Melanie Stratford

Religious Education Coordinator

melanie.stratford@cg.catholic.edu.au