Pope Francis's intention prayer for July

CELEBRATING THE SAINTS 

On June 24, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. John the Baptist was Jesus' cousin, and he baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. John led a simple life. He pointed his followers toward Christ instead of calling attention to himself. He was only concerned with the Kingdom of God and always spoke of love and truth. He is a model of how to live a life in Christ. 

 St. Peter and St. Paul – June 29th 

Peter and Paul are two significant characters from the Early Church. Peter was the most frequently mentioned member of the original 12 Apostles, who travelled with Jesus throughout His Public Ministry and could testify to the Resurrection. Jesus foretold that this apostle would be the rock upon which the Church would be built.  Despite Peter's betrayal of Jesus after His Arrest, St Peter led the Apostles, became the first pope and was martyred for his faith. Paul was converted from a strict Jew who persecuted Christians to the greatest missionary of Christianity: the Apostle of the Gentiles. He is the author of most of the Letters of the New Testament.

YOUNG MARY PERFORMANCE 

On Monday 21st June, Glenn and Taylor from Starrs Productions visited our school to perform 'Young Mary'.  This play introduced us to Young Mary  Mackillop, and it retold many fun-filled and spirited childhood adventures of St. Mary Mackillop. We learnt about her pet cow Blorac and her dad Alexander. We learnt about how Mary grew up to be a determined and hard-working young woman who sets out to eliminate poverty and provide a fair education for all. 

Students laughed all the way through the funny, interactive and entertaining play. They enjoyed learning about St. Mary Mackillop's humour and compassion while gaining a further understanding of her famous quote, "Never see a need, without doing something about it." 

"It was cool and very funy. I like Kelly. He was a poor child that Mary helped." Mitchell, Yr. 2 

"I thought it was good that they shared stories and we could learn more about what was happening when Mary Mackillop was alive." Siri, Yr. 4. 
"I thought the play was good because there was lots of laughter and fun. The most interesting story was where Mary travelled a long way across Australia to visit one of the sisters that had been in an accident. Mary wanted to get there in a hurry and she found a way no matter what." Cruz, Yr. 5. 

Most interesting story told by Mary -  

Loving God,  

We pray for the grace to be good friends. 

May we be a gentle presence in the life of our friends, ever willing to listen, to forgive and to extend hospitality. 

Remind us of the importance of friendship so that we may take time to nourish these precious relationships. 

We make these prayers in the name of Jesus, who knew what it meant to be a good friend.   

Amen

May the generous hospitality of God's gracious love be with you always,  

Rosemary Perre  
APRIM