Sunday 28^th August Gospel Reading
When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.

Background on the Gospel Reading
Meals played an important role in the society in which Jesus lived. More than a time for sharing nourishment, they were a time to share ideas and to model different aspects of social relationships. The narrator says Jesus tells a parable, but it is really wise advice to both guests and hosts about finding true happiness at the heavenly banquet.

Jesus warns guests to wait before taking their places at the table lest they be asked to move if someone more important arrives. This is more than just a lesson about dinner etiquette. It is advice on how to find your true place in the Kingdom of God. Jesus advises hosts not to invite people who would be expected to repay them to dinner but to invite those who could not repay: the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. This is where real blessings can be found.

Family Connection
In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus talks about doing good deeds for others and expecting nothing in return. Read aloud Luke 14:1,7-14. Ask your children how they would feel if you told them to take on more chores without ever expecting anything in return. Emphasise that Jesus teaches us that it is our duty as his followers to take care of the needs of others and to do so without expecting repayment. Discuss what other types of rewards we can find when doing good things for others.

Point out that we sometimes fall into the trap of wanting too many things and that, in the Our Father, we pray for “our daily bread,” meaning that we pray for only that which we really need in life. Conclude this time together by praying aloud the Our Father.

Feast of the Assumption
Last week students celebrated a liturgy in class groups focused on Jesus' mother, Mary, and her Assumption into heaven. The Catholic Tradition teaches that Mary, being the Mother of God, was assumed into heaven after she died to be with her son, Jesus. As she carried Jesus, who is God, in her womb, her body was holy.

Mary's faith enabled her to recognize the work of God in her people's history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her so that salvation might come to all. Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God's plan of salvation.

Staff Spirituality  
Our staff have been participating in a series of faith formation twilight meetings. The faith formation is centred on our personal spirituality, faith and call to vocation in Catholic Education. We will be finishing off our formation series during the pupil free day in Week 8. The morning will start by exploring our mission and ministry, using Jesus’ model of ministry as our guide. We will finish by reflecting on the most recent Student Faith Formation paper released by NCEC to inform the spiritual nourishment of our students.

First Holy Communion
Please continue to pray for those students who will be receiving the sacrament of First Holy Communion later this term. They have begun preparing at home with their families and have been attending commitment masses on the weekends. All of Year Four will participate in a short inquiry unit about Eucharist in class, culminating in a retreat day that will bring together all their learning in a prayerful way.