This Sunday’s Gospel features The Beatitudes, which are undoubtedly amongst Jesus’ most well-known messages to His disciples. The Beatitudes remind us of Jesus’ call to live with compassion, humility, and love for others—especially those in need. In a world where wealth and opportunity are not shared equally, the Beatitudes continue to challenge us to seek justice and equality for all.

Pope Francis encouraged us to live with “poverty of spirit” by placing Jesus before material possessions and by standing in solidarity with the poor, who teach us much about faith, dignity, and trust in God. True happiness, he reminded us, is found not in status or things, but in living as Jesus did—with peace, mercy, and love.

Pope Francis offered six modern Beatitudes for our time:

• Blessed are those who forgive those who have hurt them.
  
  
• Blessed are those who show care and compassion to the abandoned and marginalised.
  
  
• Blessed are those who see God in every person.
  
  
• Blessed are those who care for our common home, the Earth.
  
  
• Blessed are those who put the needs of others before their own comfort.
  
  
• Blessed are those who work and pray for unity among Christians.
  
  

May we, like Jesus, have the courage to live these Beatitudes each day and bring God’s love and peace into the world.

Adapted from: https:/ncec.catholiceduu.au/faith/scripture-resources/commentaries/the-gospel-ofmatthew/the-beatitudesmatthew-51-11/ 

Vinnies Hygiene Station

As always, we are in need of items for our hygiene donation station. We have plenty of toothbrushes and toothpaste, but we are especially in need of the following items:

• Toiletry bags
• Soap and body wash
• Deodorant

If you’re wondering how you can contribute, here are a few simple ideas:

• Planning a holiday? If you visit a hotel and don’t need the complimentary toiletries, consider bringing them home to donate to our hygiene station. Please ensure they are sealed.
• Shopping for yourself? Next time you’re buying a new toothbrush or bottle of shampoo, why not pick up an extra one to help someone in need?

School Masses and Prayer Celebrations

As a school, we regularly attend Mass at St John Vianney’s Church. The choir sings at Mass and sometimes our students have a role in other parts of the celebration. Parents and friends of our school are welcome to join us alongside parishioners at any of these Masses. We also have a number of Prayer Celebrations this term which we also love to see parents and friends attend if you are able. These will take place in the school hall. 

Dates for Masses and Prayer Celebrations for this term are:

. Week 5 Tuesday 11th November: Remembrance Day Prayer Celebration, 10:45am, School hall (led by Year 3)

. Week 5 Wednesday 12th November: *Prayer Celebration,* 9:30am, School hall, (led by Year 2) Please note the change from a Mass to a Prayer Celebration.

. Week 7 Wednesday 26th November: Parish Mass, 9:30am, SJV Church (led by Year 3)

. Week 9 Friday 12th December: Thanksgiving Prayer Celebration, 2:40pm, School hall

. Week 10 Wednesday 17th December: Year 6 Graduation Mass, 9:30am, SJV Church (led by Year 6)

SJV Parents and Friends Prayer Group

Our parents and friends prayer group meets on Friday mornings at 8:50am in Naraganawali (our Indigenous community garden) and will finish in time for our Friday morning awards assembly at 9am. In the event of wet weather, we will gather in the meeting room instead. The focus of our group will be to pray for our children. In amongst the turmoil and despair in our world, it is easy to lose hope and become discouraged about what our children and our children’s children will inherit. Our group’s aim will be to put some positive and hopeful prayers to God not only for our own children but for all the children of SJV, of our Parish community, our country and our world. 

All parents and friends of SJV are welcome to join, regardless of faith background, whether you are a practising Catholic or it’s been a while since you’ve prayed, we’d love to see you. You will be invited to share any intentions with the group that you may have for your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or any children special to you. You are welcome to bring any non-school aged children along to the group. No one will be asked to share or verbally participate unless they feel comfortable to do so. I’d encourage you to consider whether this might be something you give a try this term. There is no obligation to attend each week, just whenever you can. Please feel free to contact me: laura.matchett@cg.catholic.edu.au with any questions. I hope to see you there.

Annunciate Kids