Sunday Gospel: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew 22:15-21

The Gospel writer presents this episode as a deliberate attempt by the Pharisees to trap Jesus and turn the people against him. Their plan was a good one, with no apparent ‘safe’ answer: is it permissible (within Jewish tradition) to pay taxes to Caesar or not? If Jesus were to answer that it is not permissible to pay taxes then he would be identified as a rebel and a threat to Roman authority – leaving himself open to severe punishment. If He were to answer that it was permissible to pay the taxes He would have alienated a lot of His audience who resented the taxes imposed by Rome.

Instead of falling into the trap set by the Pharisees, Jesus approaches the question in a completely different way. He asks them to show Him the money with which they pay the tax. Immediately, He has turned the tables on them. He doesn’t appear to carry any of the coin in question and yet the Pharisees’ disciples carry them as a matter of habit. They are asking if it is permissible to pay the tax and yet freely carry the coin with which the tax is paid. Jesus shows up the hypocrisy of their question by forcing them to reveal their own position in the simple action of producing one of the Roman coins. Jesus then closes the dispute by instructing them to render (give) to Caesar what belongs to Caesar but, more importantly, render to God what belongs to God. In a very simple way Jesus has shown up the Pharisees’ disciples as being collaborators with the Roman authority and placing that authority above the authority of God. He reminds the listeners that regardless of earthly authority, the first duty is owed to God.

(Gospel Reflection by Greg Sunter)

Grandparent’s Day

This year, due to the continuing restrictions in place we will be unable to celebrate Grandparent’s Day in the usual way. Instead, next week, the children will work to create gifts or artworks that can be given to their Grandparents or special friends, as a memento to mark the role that these people play in their lives. Students may also complete an interview (which can be done over the phone or FaceTime) that will allow the children to spend some time with their Grandparent during a time when for some, this has been difficult.

I am also working to create a photo slideshow of the children with their grandparents to share within the community. If you are happy for a photo of your child and their Grandparent/s to be included, please email me a copy of the photo by next Tuesday, 20th October so it can be included. Stephanie.burns@cg.catholic.edu.au

Sacrament of First Eucharist

Please find below information regarding First Eucharist from Fr John and the Parish Office.

The Sacrament of First Eucharist will be celebrated at Holy Trinity, Curtin, commencing in November 2020.

Who is eligible?

Children in Year 4 or above who celebrated their First Reconciliation may be enrolled in the Parish’s Family-Based Sacramental Program for First Eucharist. 

Enrolment

Enrolment can be done online (using Qkr! App, preferred method) or by return of the enrolment form to the Parish Office, 3 Strangways Street, Curtin.

To enrol online:

Access or download the Qkr! app. 

Tap on ‘North Woden Transfiguration Parish’

Tap Sacrament of First Eucharist (second option)

Complete the form and make your online payment.

The requested offering per family is $40. This helps to defray the cost of a workbook, commemorative certificate, memorial gift and administrative costs.  If you have difficulty meeting the offering, please contact me for a confidential discussion.

Why a Family-Based Program?

The Parish Family-Based program affirms the participation of parents in their child’s faith journey with the prayerful support of the Parish community.  The program compliments but does not replace the religious instruction given at Catholic schools or through a School of Religion.  Parents have found the program to be a graced time with their child and that has made the celebration of the sacrament all the more meaningful.

Hosting a Family Group

The program is dependent on the generosity of some parents to host or to co-host a family group. I am enclosing a ‘Host Nomination’ form for your consideration. The role of a host is not difficult, with session notes provided.  N.B. Hosts will be required to attend an Information Session via Zoom 5.30pm, Tuesday, 20 October followed by the Parent Information Night via Zoom at 6.00pm.

All hosts must have, or have applied for, a Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) card.  There is no cost involved in applying for a WWVP card for volunteers.

What does the program involve?

The program includes:

• An Information Night for hosts of a family group via Zoom at 5.30pm, Tuesday, 20 October.
• An Introductory Night for parents to receive an overview of the family sessions via Zoom at 6.00pm, Tuesday, 20 October.
• Four family group meetings for parents and children following the Introduction Night.

At the Introductory Night, you will receive notification of meeting options for home groups and will be asked to nominate your preference. 

Celebration of First Eucharist

You will have multiple opportunities to celebrate your child’s First Eucharist.  As COVID-19 restrictions have limited congregations to 200, you will need to nominate a weekend Mass (Sat. 6pm, Sun. 9.30am or Sun. 5.30pm) for the celebration.  There will be a limit of four candidates, their families and guests up to a total of ten (10), mindful of the need to accommodate other parishioners within the ceiling of 200.  This will be further explained at the Parent Introductory Night.

What next?

If you would like your child to celebrate First Eucharist this year, you must return the enrolment form and payment to the Parish Office by Friday 16 October. This will allow sufficient time to confirm family groups prior to their first meeting.  Meanwhile, enquiries can be directed to the Parish Office (6281 3999 / wodennorth@cg.org.au ).

Yours sincerely,

Fr John Woods

Parish Priest

Children’s Liturgy timetable for the Term

Children’s Liturgy runs on the 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of each month during term time. Below is a timetable with the dates for Term 4. Children’s liturgy occurs during the 9:30am Sunday Mass at Holy Trinity, Curtin.

God bless,

Stephanie Burns

Religious Education Coordinator