In this Sunday's Gospel we hear the miracle story of the loves and fish from John. In many important ways, John’s Gospel uses the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes to teach about the Eucharist. Like the Last Supper, this miracle is said to have occurred near the time of the Jewish feast of Passover. Jesus’ language is similar to the language he used at the Last Supper as reported in the Synoptic Gospels. John’s description of this event also anticipates the Messianic banquet of heaven, as the crowd reclines and all hungers are satisfied with abundance. This connection is further amplified by the response of the crowd, who wants to make Jesus a king.

The story of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes recalls a particular aspect of the Mass. In this miracle, Jesus transforms a young boy’s offering of five barley loaves and two fish. In the offertory at Mass, we present the fruits of our labours, represented by bread and wine. These gifts, given to us first by God as grain and fruit, are returned to God in our offering of thanksgiving. God in turn transforms our gifts, making this bread and wine the very Body and Blood of Jesus. We also offer ourselves in this exchange, and we, too, are transformed by the Eucharist

John is teaching us that each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we are anticipating the eternal banquet of heaven. John’s Gospel notes the detail that the bread blessed and shared with the crowd are barley loaves. This is the food of the poor. It reminds us that God feeds and nourishes us, fulfilling our physical needs as well as our spiritual ones. In the Eucharist, we are sent to serve the poorest among us.

This week as a family talk about how we can feed others, not just with food but through our service and presence.

VINNIES WINTER APPEAL

I don't know about you but this winter I am really feeling the cold! Most of us are able to rug up during this season, seeking shelter from the harsh Canberra winter in our homes, schools and workplaces with heating, blankets, warm clothes, coats and other items to keep us warm. Unfortunately this is not the case for all families in Canberra this winter and the homelessness rate continues to grow. 

With this in mind, St Matt's this year will support the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal which provides emergency relief to our vulnerable. Donations of warm clothing and blankets as well as financial contributions are a vital source of support to St Vinnes and all the wonderful work they do.

Over the next two weeks (Week 3 and 4) we invite all St Matt's families to get behind the Vinnies Winter Appeal by bringing in new or used (but in good condition) warm winter items. There will be a basket outside of the Coordinator's office where donations can be placed. A list of suggested items from Vinnies includes

• Blankets
• Jackets
• Jumpers
• Warm gloves and socks
• Beanies

On Friday Week 4, 6th August, we will also be having a Pyjama Day here at school where the children and teachers are encouraged to wear their pyjamas and bring in a gold coin donation (or larger if possible) to support this appeal. 

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

A big thank you to those parents who have registered their child in Year 3 for the Sacrament of Reconciliation via QkR!. If you have not done so and you wish for your child to receive the Sacrament, please register so we can send home a learning pack for you. 

The home learning program for the Sacrament has begun and we keep all our children and families in our prayers as they journey towards this Sacrament together.

Have a great week!

Religious Education Co-ordinator