The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, held every year on Tuesday the 15^th of August, is a significant feast day which recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the mother of Jesus Christ from the earth, when both her soul and her body were taken into the presence of God. The feast of the Assumption is always a Holy Day of Obligation for both Roman and Eastern-rite Catholics, on which they are obliged to attend Mass or Divine Liturgy. Fr Jiss could not be with us on this day and gave us his blessing to celebrate this feast day with a special Liturgy. Thanks to the Mini Vinnies group who led the Liturgy so well. 

Father,

you raised the sinless virgin

Mary body and soul to

the glory of heaven.

May we share in that glory.

We ask this through Christ the Lord.

Amen

Sunday Gospel Reflection (August 13)

Gospel             Matthew 14:22-33

 Peter is representative of many of us. He is someone who has a great faith, who loves Jesus and wants to follow him, but he is also someone who has, on more than one occasion, questioned his faith. In today’s Gospel, Peter takes a significant risk. Trusting Jesus, Peter steps out into the water during a storm. He is fine until the storm frightens him, then he doubts what he is attempting to undertake and suddenly begins to sink. Jesus feels disappointed that Peter did not trust; after all, Jesus trusted in Peter’s ability to walk on water; otherwise, he would not have asked him to do so. 

Our lives are often like this. It is not until life is hard, and we are facing challenges that we call out to Jesus to “save us.” The real challenge, especially for us as leaders, is to remain steadfast in our faith, and our confidence and belief in Jesus, and remember, we cannot do this all alone, and it is ok to rely on the one who saves! (Stephanie Burns) 

Jesus,

Keep us strong in our faith, especially in the face of great challenges.

Do not let doubt take over our minds and hearts.

Be with us always,

so we may feel the constant and unwavering love and support of our saviour.

Amen.

 Source: Formed in Prayer, CSYMI

Condolences

We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Conron and Galvin families on the loss of Rachel’s Grandfather.

We also extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Gibson and Pursehouse families on the loss of Vanessa’s Father.

We are thinking of you all.

Year 2/3/4 Father’s Day Class Mass

Student Prayer of the Week

Sacramental Program

St Joseph’s Parish will be offering the Sacrament of Confirmation to eligible candidates. 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 meetings for the Confirmation candidates will take place during Terms 3 and 4. The dates are as follows: 

• Wednesday 6^th September – Preparation Meeting at 6pm
• Wednesday 20^th September – Preparation Meeting at 6pm
• Wednesday 18^th October – Preparation Meeting at 6pm
• Sunday 22^nd October – Confirmation Mass at 8am 

The preparation meetings will be held on each of the above dates in the St Joseph’s School Library. A Catholic parent (or caregiver) of each candidate must attend each of the meetings.

If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren please contact me (if you have not already done so) 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.