Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Newsletter

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said to his disciples:

I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat,

nor about your body and what you are to wear.

Surely life is more than food, and the body more than clothing!

Look at the birds in the sky. They do not sow or reap or

gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not worth much more than they are?

Can any of you, however much you worry,

add one single cubit to your span of life?

And why worry about clothing?

Think of the flowers growing in the fields;

they never have to work or spin: yet I assure you that

not even Solomon in all his royal robes was clothed like one of these.

Now if that is how God clothes the wild flowers growing in the field

which are there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow,

will he not much more look after you, you have so little faith?

So do not worry; do not say, “What are we to eat?

What are we to drink? What are we to wear?”

It is the gentiles who set their hearts on all these things.

Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.

Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God’s saving justice,

and all these other things will be given you as well.

So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Ref:Liturgyhelp.com

When we read in today’s gospel that we are “not to worry”, the word, worry, might better be translated as distracted. Jesus says to not be distracted or consumed by the pursuit of money, food and nice clothes. He says that it is the gentiles – those who do not know the love of God – who set their hearts on attaining these things. We are immersed in a culture in society that values these outward signs of success above all else. The challenge is to avoid being caught up in the distractions of our material society. One way to do that is through regular prayer and reflection

 © Greg Sunter 

Historical Context – Mary MacKillop

Mary MacKillop is not only the first Australian to be recognised by the Church as a Saint, she is truly a very Australian saint. She characterises the spirit of the Australian mythology. She was a prodigious hard worker who put the needs of others before herself. She exhibited something of the larrikin spirit: constantly in dispute with authority but pressing on, regardless. She used the strengths of others but also didn’t tolerate those who were not genuine. Her commitment to the schooling of children from poor and rural communities established a model of Catholic education that continues to today. A Saint for and of Australia!

Ever generous God,

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop

To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and encouragement

to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.

With confidence in your generous providence and through the

intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop

We ask that you grant our request (insert own request)

We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so

that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and

openness.

Ever generous God hear our prayer.

We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mary MacKillop

Amen.

Senior Constable Ethan West is unable to get around the Hills Schools at the moment to talk about e-safety.  Please watch the short video that is suitable for parents and children in Years  5 to 8 or higher.

Cyber Safety Facebook Video

Please contact the school office (via email at ololbhills@parra.catholic.edu.au ) if you have not received your school fee statement, instalment 3 or are experiencing financial difficulty as outlined in the previous letter to parents and carers from CEDP.

ICAS have provided some alternate sitting dates and closing times for parents to make payment for the ICAS assessments. If you wish to purchase one of these assessments please see the information below. If you have already purchased one or more of these assessments, your registration will automatically update to the new dates.

Parent Payment System

No matter what background, faith, or walk of life, we ALL have questions, and we all deserve a safe space to ask them. Alpha is that space. Ask questions and stay connected during lockdown with other school parents.

 Try Alpha at Parish of Baulkham Hills starting 26 August at 7.30pm.

 To find out more click here: https://player.vimeo.com/video/182479526 or to register go to: https://form.jotform.com/212045161993858 

 Contact Emma Baker at alphateam2153@gmail.com for more info.

Please click here to find the latest COVID-19 bulletin from the western Sydney Munch & Move and Live Life Well @ School teams. 

Skoolbag is the school’s primary avenue for immediate communication with parents.

Skoolbag is a communication app which all parents are strongly advised to install on their smartphones, ipads etc.