PARISH NEWS

ONLY JESUS

Little has changed. Whinging has always been part of human society. From the Exodus complainers Moses and Aaron are dealing with (Ex 16:2-4,12-15) to the short sighted bread-seekers in John’s gospel (Jn 6:24-35) and to our 21st century society. Like Oliver Twist, we aren’t satisfied. We always want “more”.

Jesus is the bread of life, the answer to all our yearnings, the eternal guarantor against hunger and thirst but, just as the bread-seekers failed to recognise Jesus in front of them, so we often fail to see him in our lives. Consumed by fleeting bread, money, possessions, fame and fortune, many in our society desperately pursue “things,” including extended life and eternal beauty, longevity,  remedies, cures, experiences, adventures, and fleeting pleasures, and they hope that actual eternity will go away. How crazy is that!

Deep in our being we know that these things we crave are transitory. For all of them, or for our importance or otherwise, our wealth or poverty, our busyness, our plans, buildings, courses, qualifications, arrangements and good works, only one thing counts – making our home in Jesus; believing in him. What “works (does) God want” …. “Believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:30). Way beyond our physical hunger is what Pope Francis calls, “the hunger for life – the hunger for eternity – that only (Jesus) can satisfy because He is the bread of life.”

How then do ordinary people, believers, live their daily lives? We believe but we still need to put one foot in front of the other in this earthly life. Pope Francis points out that the true meaning of our earthly existence is to be found at the end, in eternity, “that to be open to meeting Jesus every day of our lives will illuminate our lives and give meaning to small gifts, sufferings and preoccupations.” (Pubblicato Il 02/08/2015)

Deacon Mark Kelly

CONFIRMATION RETREAT

SACRAMENT NEWS

On behalf of the Sacrament Team, I would like to offer hearty CONGRATULATIONS to all the students who were fully initiated into our Catholic Communities last Friday night through the Sacrament of Confirmation.

It has been a joy to work with you, and your families, throughout this Sacramental process. We wish you all the very best. Please know that we would love you to join us in any of our Parish Masses and events. May you always remain close to Jesus Christ and live spirit-filled lives. God Bless

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Our First Holy Communion Program begins soon. A Parent Information Meeting will be held on Thursday 29th August in the Marian Room at St. Joseph's Church, at 7pm. Our guest Speaker is  Rev. Dr. Fr. Elio Capra, SDB.

Children must be in Grade 4, or above, be baptised, and have made their First Reconciliation to receive this Sacrament. A letter with more details will be sent home soon.

For more information contact Liz on 5623 1642, or email:  Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au