GOSPEL:  John 3:16-18
For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but so that through him the world might be saved. No one who believes in him will be judged; but whoever does not believe is judged already, because that person does not believe in the Name of God's only Son.

REFLECTION
This Gospel passage begins with the words: “For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son.” I wonder how many times throughout the years we have heard these simple yet powerful words? We know that Jesus came to earth for us and we know that Jesus died for us, but do we truly grasp and comprehend the depth of God’s love for us?

During difficult or painful times, it often is more difficult to trust God. At these times, God may appear to be absent or indifferent, yet God is at our side, walking with us, gracing us, and loving us every step of our way. At other times, we may believe that we are unworthy of God’s love. This belief may arise from knowing that we have done something we know was sinful or hurtful of another or this belief may stem from our own belief that we are not lovable.

God’s love is very different from human love. God’s love truly neither fails nor falters. John Barclay wrote: “the mainspring of God’s being is love.” Many of us have heard the words: “God is love” from a very young age. Yet at times we struggle to believe and trust that reality!

Today may we open our hearts to God’s love. Take time to bask in God’s love. God is waiting for us. Will we come? (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau) 

MASS SERVICES
Mass services at St Augustine's Church have recommenced. The following information has been provided by the Presbytery.

This weekend we begin a new phase of gathering after lockdown and we will return to our normal timetable.  There will be Mass on Saturday morning at 9am, especially for older parishioners. A Vigil Mass will be held at 6pm and Sunday morning at 10:15am, both held in St. Augustine’s. Until we are permitted 100 at gatherings, this week will be for those with surnames N-Z and the following weekend, A-M. Those distributing Holy Communion will need to sanitize hands before and after distribution. Collection baskets will be handled only by those collecting. There will be no need to put your names down for weekday, Wednesday 5:30pm, Thursday 7:30pm and Friday 12noon. Mass at Gunning will be at the usual time, 8:30am Sunday. A Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated at 12pm online for those unable to attend the church.

MERCY WEEK
To recognise Sabbath Week this term, we are having Mercy Week where we recognise those with greater needs than ourselves. To celebrate Mercy Week, we will conclude on Friday with our House Spirit Challenge. This week students are asked to bring a gold coin donation on Friday and wear a beanie to school (of any colour or design) to support the Vinnies CEO Sleepout Appeal who are raising funds for the homeless in our community. Let us all remember those in need throughout the week and do whatever we can to support others!

God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator