Social Justice - Crazy Sock Day Socktober Catholic Mission - Friday 1st November

Social Justice is defined by the Catholic Church as, “the respect for the human person and the rights which flow from human dignity.’ Catholic Social Justice teaches that all people are made in the image of God and possess an equal worth, and that each person has a right to all that is needed to allow him or her to live their full potential as intended by God.

This year, we are supporting Catholic Mission by participating in Socktober. Socktober 2024 will contribute vital funds to projects around the world, including Mongolia, where the Don Bosco Caring Center is providing hope, education, protection and guidance for young children.

On Friday 1st November, students are able to participate in Socktober in two ways:

• Wear ‘crazy socks’ and ‘sock it’ to poverty. Students are invited to wear crazy socks and make a gold coin donation.
• Kick goals for poverty. Could you score a goal against a teacher? Students are invited to donate gold coin/s and try to score a goal. 

As a community, let’s join together to help Catholic Mission bring hope and dignity to people in need. Thank you.

Gospel - Mark 10:35-45

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Whoever aspires to greatness must serve the rest.

James and John are effectively calling ‘shotgun’ on the best seats at the table! When they ask to sit at the left and right hand of Jesus, they are asking Jesus to name them as his deputies. They’re looking to secure for themselves positions of power and authority. The only problem is that they have a completely messed up idea of what it means for Jesus to enter into his glory. For several weeks now, we have been exploring a theme from the Gospel of Mark that follows a physical journey towards Jerusalem as well as a symbolic and theological journey towards what is going to occur in Jerusalem – Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion and resurrection.

Throughout this journey, Jesus has been trying to prepare the disciples for what is to come and educate them about what it really means to be a disciple of his. Three times Jesus tells the disciples explicitly what lies ahead. Each time the disciples fail to grasp what Jesus tells them. Despite occasional glimpses of insight, the disciples still believe that Jesus is going to rise up as a political or military figure. In a complete dismissal of this sort of thinking, Jesus declares quite forcefully that leadership of this sort is not what he intends for himself, nor for those who follow him.

Leadership in the Jesus model is about being of service to others; it is not about prestige and acclamation. Many of the best leaders are those who do not have any title of leadership or authority. Their leadership and authority come from what they do and how they do it. They inspire others to follow their example. They don’t demand it; they don’t bully; they don’t play power games. People simply want to follow their example.

Adapted from Greg Sunter

Blessings for the week ahead,

Sarah Walsh

Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)