Sacramental News: First Eucharist

As a community, we continue to pray for the students and families as they begin their preparation to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at the table of the Lord. 

First Eucharist Retreat Day

Last week, Year 4 participated in a day of prayer, reflection and fun during their First Eucharist Retreat at Holy Trinity. The day commenced in prayer with students attending mass celebrated by Fr Woods. Following lunch, students engaged in Godly Play, an art activity and participated in contemplative prayer called Visio Divina. A big thank you to Samantha Mance, Bridget Pigram, Catherine Joy (HT) and Holy Trinity staff for supporting our students.

First Eucharist Masses

In a fortnight’s time, there will be three masses in which our Year 4 students will partake in the Sacrament of First Eucharist. The masses will be taking place at the Parish of the Transfiguration Church in Curtin on September 21st at 6:00pm, and Sunday 22nd at 9:30am and 5:30pm. I thank the parents of all our candidates for their support and guidance of their children, and I thank the Year 4 teachers for their support of these students. 

Grandfriends Day

We are looking forward to welcoming Grandfriends to Sts Peter and Paul at the end of this term! On Friday September 27th, all Grandfriends (grandparents and/or special friends) are invited to join their grandchildren to see the wonderful learning happening at SPP. 

Timetable of the Day:

12:30pm - Grandfriends classroom visits - Welcome!

1:10-1:50pm - Grandfriends picnic lunch (grandfriends byo lunch to share with your child)

1:50pm - Grandfriends depart - Thank you

Gospel - Mark 8:27-35

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

A follower of Christ must take up the cross

‘But you, who do you say I am?’ This would have to be one of the most powerful questions of the gospels. It echoes down the centuries and is just as relevant today as it ever was. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Our answer to that question is perhaps the most revealing statement of our faith. Our answer no doubt changes over time as we grow in understanding and as we experience the ups and downs of life, but nonetheless, just like Peter in the gospel passage, our answer remains a clear statement of our faith. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Just a good guy who lived 2,000 years ago? A role model? A friend? God made flesh? The Word come down from heaven? Nobody? Everybody? Our saviour? An inspired man of God? The Messiah?

Perhaps you’ve never tried to actually answer the question yourself. It is a confronting question, ‘Who do you say I am?’ It’s confronting because, as Christian people, we believe that our actions are a reflection of our beliefs and values. It’s confronting because whatever we say in answer to that question has implications for the way we live. ‘Who do you say I am?’ You see, the question is in the present tense, not the past. It doesn’t ask ‘Who do you say I was?’; it asks, ‘Who do you say I AM?’ The very question asks us to recognise that Jesus was not just some guy who lived 2,000 years ago but rather someone who continues to be a presence in our lives today. And he stands before each and every one of us today and asks that same, demanding, confronting, purposeful question: ‘Who do YOU say I am?’

Adapted from Greg Sunter

Blessings for the week ahead,

Sarah Walsh

Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)