First Holy Communion

There are signs all around us which give us messages. We only have to look to see them.

Jesus gives us signs through the Church. A sacrament is a sign of Jesus' love, given to us through the Church. Through the sacraments we receive the gift of God's grace.

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is when we receive Jesus under the form of bread and wine. When we receive Jesus for the first time, we receive First Holy Communion. After this, we can receive Jesus every time we go to Mass. Receiving Jesus on our First Holy Communion Day is one of the most important events in the lives of Catholic Christians.

This weekend, on Sunday, Kate Johnston and Maisie Baker will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Please keep them both in your prayers on this very special day.

Sunday Gospel Reflection (June 11)

Gospel             Jn 6:51-58

“Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.” When met with the incredulity of the Jews, Jesus rephrases this statement in even more shocking terms: “If you do not eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you will have no life in you.” As Catholics, this language may wash over us. After all, Sunday after Sunday we hear the words - “Take and eat, this is my body, this is my blood, given for you.” The truth is these words of Jesus should in fact shake us. They should move and amaze us. Because, in reality, a radical and shocking promise is being expressed.

Jesus doesn’t mince his words here, and wants us to contemplate what this means: Each time we receive the Eucharist, we can rely on Jesus’ promise that through his death and resurrection, we can receive him in his entirety and therefore receive everything we need. Catholics, through participating in the Eucharist, have the very body and blood of Jesus to nourish and sustain them – which is infinitely more powerful than any resource, methodology or talent that can be mustered up. Let us lean into the power of the Eucharist and draw from it all we need to grow in our faith and help others effectively.

Dear Jesus,

May we trust in your promise and approach the Mass with full confidence

that you will fill us with your very life each time we receive the Eucharist.

May our disposition be one of receptivity,

that we might fully receive the graces contained within the mystery of the Eucharist.

Amen.

Source: Formed in Prayer

Sacramental Program

To be eligible to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, candidates must be in Year 5 or above and must have already received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

The preparation for the Confirmation candidates will take place in Terms 3 and 4. Specific information regarding meeting/ mass dates will be provided towards the end of Term 2.

If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren please contact me at the school on 6343 1514 or via email: danielle.mcfarlane@cg.catholic.edu.au

Furthermore, if you know of anyone else interested in further information, who may not have access to this newsletter or the Parish bulletin, please encourage them to contact me also.

Yours in Faith,

Danielle McFarlane

Religious Education Coordinator

Parish News

Sunday 8 am Mass

St Joseph’s Church, Grenfell

Please note that a Mass will be held on the second and fourth Sundays each month. There is a Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion, not a Mass, on the first and third Sundays of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend!

The Parish would love to welcome more children to be involved in Mass on weekends. There are many opportunities for involvement, including doing the readings. If your child can participate in any way, please let me know.

If you wish to visit St Joseph’s Church, it is open daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm and following Mass on Sundays.