'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.' 

Psalm 119:105

Pentecost

This Sunday, the Church celebrates Pentecost, one of the most important feast days of the year that concludes the Easter season and celebrates the beginning of the Church. Pentecost is the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room. The symbols of Pentecost are the flame, wind, and the dove, which represent the Holy Spirit. Our Year 6 students will receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the coming weeks during the season of Pentecost, when they will be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Our Lady Help of Christians

On Monday the Church also celebrates the solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians. Catholic Australians historically had a special reason for turning to Mary. In the early days of settlement, no priests were sent to the colony and Mass was not allowed except for one brief year until 1820. It was largely the Rosary in those early days that kept the faith alive. Catholic Australia has remained faithful to Mary and was the first nation to choose her under the title Help of Christians, as principal Patroness.

Mary, Help of Christians, watch over us with love. 

Intercede for us with your Son, to bless Australia, 

so that we can be people of peace, 

people who love and respect each other, 

and people who love and respect our land, Australia. 

We make this prayer through Jesus your Son. 

Amen.