This parable of the bridesmaids, Matthew 25:1-12, who were excluded from the wedding feast and forced to remain locked out in the dark could easily be understood for regarding their sensible companions as a selfish group in refusing to share their oil with them. To our way of thinking the punishment of having the door of the wedding banquet slammed in their face is too severe. At worst they deserved a reprimand for their last minute rush. However the gospel story is not about forgetting to bring along extra oil for the lamp, but about how we view the invitation extended to us all to take our place in the kingdom of God. We only have ourselves to blame if we fail to arrive or are unprepared when the time comes. Being ready beforehand is what matters most and a last minute hurry to get ourselves into spiritual shape is not to be recommended. If we are to have an eternity of joy we shall have to prepare for it whole heartedly.

Returning to the Chapel during Step 3 Restrictions

Masses are returning to the chapel. Limited to 10 registered attendees, masses are available on Wednesdays at 9:30, Fridays at 9:30 and Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 09:00 from Wednesday 4th November 2020 (and other days and times at St. Gerard's). Click https://www.holyspiritparish.org.au/Mass-Times/Weekly-Services to see more details and instructions on registration. Please call Jacinta, for Holy Spirirt, on 0434 224 483 or Ana, for St. Gerard's, on 0402 267 164, should you have questions.

Spirit Extra #12 - October B 2020

The latest Spirit Extra Magazine, #12 - October#2 2020, is out this weekend. Check it out here http://www.holyspiritparish.org.au/Spirit-Extra.

Children's Reflection, Family Activities

Click to find a Children's reflection page plus other details of interesting things to do together as family.

We are given a glimpse into our ultimate future as we celebrate the glory of countless millions of people who won through the centuries and have gone home to God. Those who are now gathered in heaven with Christ were men and women who worked and suffered for the love of God. They took their faith seriously enough to allow it to shape their lives in order to complete the task that God has given them. Those who are canonised are only a fraction of God's friends. In the hard experience of life they managed to keep their sight on the living God, trusting that He would work all things for the good. Their outstanding quality was faithful perseverance in the long and painful task.

November Remembrances

During the month of November, the Remembrance book with names of those who have died, will be placed on the altar and all will be remembered in our prayers. If you would like to register the names of your loved ones who have passed into God’s loving care to be included in the Remebrance Book for the month of November, please email or ring the Parish Office: RingwoodNorth@cam.org.au or 0434 224 483.

The Ready, Set, Pray! Children’s Liturgy of the Word @ Home video series

The Ready, Set, Pray! Children’s Liturgy of the Word @ Home video series has been created to provide an engaging space for families to encounter Jesus through the Sunday gospel. The latest episode and back episodes are available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP4Pb34ThQ34InNPfqs1fCtAmggV0fewQ

Children's Reflection, Family Activities

Click to find a Children's reflection page plus other details of interesting things to do together as family.

Toni Collins

Holy Spirit parish wishes Toni Collins a very happy special birthday.

The gospel, Matthew 22:34-40, emphasises the two commandments which Jesus described as the greatest - love of God and love of neighbour. No matter how often we hear these words we are struck by the demands they put on us. Jesus brings together the love of God and love of our neighbour as something inseparable like two sides of a coin. Love of God is false if it is not complemented by the love of the people whom we encounter every day. Loving our neighbour as ourselves is a necessary element in giving our hearts and minds to God and that is where the challenge lies. It is wonderful in theory but difficult to put in practice.

The Ready, Set, Pray! Children’s Liturgy of the Word @ Home video series

Exciting news from the Office for Mission and Renewal:

The Ready, Set, Pray! Children’s Liturgy of the Word @ Home video series has been created to provide an engaging space for families to encounter Jesus through the Sunday gospel.

Each week includes an invitation for families to gather in their own prayer space, to sing, hear the Gospel, pray and respond creatively through an activity.

This weekly resource follows the familiar Children’s Liturgy of the Word format provided in many parishes – but moved to an online setting. Each weekly session runs for 15 -20 minutes. It may be used by families in their homes, and also by teachers and catechists.

The series commences this Sunday 18th October, continuing each Sunday until Christmas. We hope this experience of gathering for prayer will encourage families in this time when they cannot gather for parish celebrations of Eucharist. It is produced by Proclaim: The Office for Mission Renewal.

Follow the YouTube link for this week’s session 18th October, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A: https://youtu.be/ulNi7D_zG9Q.

Children's Reflection, Family Activities

Note, the weekly Children's Reflection, Family Activities page was not made available this week.

Margaret and John Curry

Holy Spirit parish wishes Margaret and John Curry a happy and safe move this weekend. We will all miss you. God Bless.

Mary McKillop 10 years since canonisation

Friday 16th October 2020 is the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Mary MacKillop.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Mary MacKillop and the wonderful life and legacy she left behind, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart are pleased to remember her with commemorative prayers, videos, and a global vigil in her honour. Inspiring all Australians to take courage and maintain hope as Mary did throughout her life, the theme chosen for this celebration is ‘Take Fresh Courage’. This theme chosen against the backdrop of the many challenges Australians have faced in 2020 is taken from a letter written by St. Mary MacKillop in 1877.

On 16 October 2020 at 8pm AEST, the Sisters of Saint Joseph will hold Courage Hour, a global vigil of deep peace, prayer, and reflection. The Sisters invite all who may wish to participate to join the Vigil online and celebrate Mary’s life and follow her lead to ‘Take Fresh Courage’. https://www.sosj.org.au/10th-anniversary/.

(Matthew 22:15-21) When the Pharisees dragged the name of Caesar into their dispute with Jesus, it was a clever attempt to trick him into making an incriminating statement. He was in a no-win situation because to state that tax should be paid would have made Him appear a traitor to his country. While a denial would have left Him behind bars as enemy of Rome. Aware of their malice, He sidesteps the issue giving attention on the tax coin saying, 'Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.' He challenges them to take their responsibility to God as seriously as their obligations to the state.

Children's Reflection, Family Activities

Click to find a Children's reflection page plus other details of interesting things to do together as family.

Masses resume at Holy Spirit within the allowances of Second Step restrictions

Outdoor masses limited to 5 registered attendees are available on Wednesdays at 9:30, Fridays at 9:30 and Sundays at 09:00 from Wednesday 7th October 2020 (and other days and times at St. Gerard's). Click https://www.holyspiritparish.org.au/Mass-Times/Weekly-Services to see more details and instructions on registration. Please call Jacinta, for Holy Spirirt, on 0434 224 483 or Ana, for St. Gerard's, on 0402 267 164, should you have questions.

Holy Spirit Parish Child Safeguarding Committee 2020

The Holy Spirit Parish Child Safeguarding Committee 2020 has been formed. See our news arctile for more details: https://www.holyspiritparish.org.au/News-Events/ArtMID/1866/ArticleID/334/Holy-Spirit-Parish-Child-Safeguarding-Committee-2020.

Spirit Extra #11 - October A 2020

The latest Spirit Extra Magazine, #11 - October#1 2020, is out this weekend. Check it out here http://www.holyspiritparish.org.au/Spirit-Extra.