This week let us include in our prayers….. 

• That our leaders will care for people of the world.  
• For those who hunger for food, freedom or courage.  
• For people who are too busy to care for themselves or for others.  

May these prayers and all those we hold in our hearts, be felt by those who need them most.  

Sunday’s Gospel- 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Please find shared in this week’s newsletter: the Sunday prayer at home which has some wonderful resources to unpack this week’s readings in a family friendly way.   

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus uses another parable that involves food. Banquets and wedding feasts appear often in the scriptures as attractive images of human fellowship and communion with God. The wedding banquet in this week’s gospel, however, is bitter-sweet. It runs into a trial at which judgement is passed. When we think of a wedding feast it involves a community. Invitations are sent out to families and friends to come and gather together to celebrate. Feasts don’t just have to be for special occasions, friends and families gather regularly around barbeques, camp fires and dinning tables, they are an occasion of great festivity, food, story telling and laughter. Our families, schools and community parishes are also communities. It is interesting to reflect on how welcoming our communities are. I have travelled extensively over the years and struggle to recall a community as welcoming as Weipa. People are gracious, helpful, and marked with a spirit of joy. How fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful community that brings joy and laughter to all. This is similar to the kingdom of God, and raises the question and challenge for this week…..what can we do to be more welcoming to others, as Jesus calls us to be.  

Reading Reflections  

Canonisation of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop 

This week we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the canonisation of our patron saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop. In my youth I attended a Josephite school and was taught by Sisters of St Joseph, who lived and breathed the example of their patron. In many ways her example has been an inspiration for me, both in her views of service to others and courage to tackle the challenges life throws at us.   Mary’s canonisation has proved to be a powerful impetus for many of the world’s people in their efforts to recognise God in all of creation and especially those of the human family who are disposed and marginalised. Her spirit seems to act as a magnet for all who seek God. She is truly a remarkable example of humankind at its greatest.  

Daniel Morcombe Curriculum  

To assist parents with understanding the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum we will be holding an information session for parents on Thursday the 15th October at 5pm in the flexible learning space at school. The presentation will go for approximately 20 minutes followed by an opportunity for parents to ask questions about the Curriculum.  

This is a great opportunity to learn about the curriculum and the messages your child will be receiving. We encourage you to attend so that you can discuss and reinforce these key safety messages with your children. We understand that this time may not suit everyone. If you are unable to attend the parent session, information about the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum can be found at www.education.qld.gov.au/child-safety-curriculum. 

Meg Newell 

Assistant Principal in Religious Education and 

Curriculum Support Teacher