From the APRIM

Dear Families

This weekend, Christians around the world will be celebrating the Feast of Pentecost, when the believers in Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit. This transformed these followers from a terrified group, locked away in a room to confident disciples who spread the Good News of Jesus.

Pope Francis believes that this is still our mission. In opening the recent synod process in October 2021, the Pope cited Father Yves Congar who said, “There is no need to create another Church, but to create a different Church”.

Pope Francis prayed, “Come, Holy Spirit! You inspire new tongues and place words of life on our lips: keep us from becoming a “museum Church”, beautiful but mute, with much past and little future. Come among us, so that in this synodal experience we will not lose our enthusiasm, dilute the power of prophecy, or descend into useless and unproductive discussions. Come, Spirit of love, open our hearts to hear your voice! Come, Holy Spirit of holiness, renew the holy and faithful People of God! Come, Creator Spirit, renew the face of the earth! Amen.”

This weekend the parish are celebrating Pentecost with a Mass commencing at 10.00 am instead of the usual 9.00 am, featuring the African choir. After Mass there is a multicultural lunch to be held under the Nativity shelter. This is the first time in over two years that the parish has been able to celebrate without a host of Covid restrictions. You are all warmly invited to attend.

Class Masses
These resume next week with Year 5/6BH hosting. Although classes have had liturgies in their own rooms this year, we are grateful to recommence the celebration of Masses with our parish family. The SA Health regulations have made life more complicated for many people but we needed to abide by the protocols that were put in place to protect everyone but especially the more vulnerable in our community. All parents, grandparents and caregivers are welcome at the Masses. No masks needed if you don’t want to wear one!

Yesterday while in the Year 1/2 class for prayer, I was touched by their heartfelt prayers for others. They listened thoughtfully and prayed for their sick sister, their teacher, family members, people with Covid and the people of Ukraine. How wonderful it was to see them thinking of others first.

Now that the government restrictions have eased, we can get back to a new kind of normal with gratitude. Life may look different but here we are, able to live life to the full.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” Psalm 118:24

Blessings to you all

Sharyn Black
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission