Gospel Reading for Sunday 22 May
John 14:23-29
Jesus promises his disciples that the Father will send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit.

This portion of John's Gospel comes near the end of the first of four chapters that make up Jesus' long farewell discourse at the Last Supper. It explores the idea that Christian's life is not shaped by Jesus' absence but by God's abiding presence; God's presence overcomes anxiety about God's absence; and the present holds in it the seeds of a fresh future shaped by love, not fear.

Jesus is preparing his disciples in advance for his absence so that they will continue to believe in him and not feel all alone after his return to the Father.

As our celebration of the Easter season is coming to an end, the liturgy reminds us that Jesus remains with us through the Holy Spirit, who teaches us everything we need to know, reminds us of all that Jesus taught, and brings us peace.

Family Connection
Parents are always helping their children prepare for something, whether that consists of getting ready for school, preparing for an exam, or making preparations to go on a holiday. In today's Gospel, Jesus prepares his disciples for his Passion, death, and Resurrection. He promises his Holy Spirit, gives them the gift of his peace, and tells them not to be troubled.

As a family, talk about the kinds of events that you have prepared for together; parties, holidays, and first days of school are some examples. Talk about why it is important to prepare for important events in our lives.

Talk about how, as a family, you can prepare for Pentecost, when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, our Advocate.

 Staff Twilight
On Tuesday 10 May, the staff took part in a 2 hour spirituality twilight. The twilight was focussed on our personal story. Through prayer, reflection and meditation we explored how we can live authentically as ourselves to develop relationships and experience true belonging. In order for our staff to walk with our students on their faith journey, they too must be nourished in their spirituality and faith. We will finish the second part of our spirituality professional learning in Term 3.

Confirmation
Please continue to pray for our Year Six students receiving the sacrament of Confirmation later this term. Students along with their parents have begun learning about and exploring the sacrament in more detail. They will also be attending a second commitment mass this weekend at either St Matthew’s 6pm Saturday 21 May, 8.30am Sunday 22 May or St Vincent’s 10am Sunday 22 May.