Pentecost
The Season of Easter concludes with today’s celebration, the Feast of Pentecost, which is sometimes referred to as the birthday of the Church. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church. The story of Pentecost is found in the Acts of the Apostles.

Pentecost brings forth the strong message of reconciliation, the call to open our hearts to be able to act, receive and celebrate forgiveness. The Gospel for Pentecost reminds us that the Church begins with the command to forgive. Within the family, the domestic Church, we learn how to forgive and how to accept forgiveness. The gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to do both.

As you gather together as a family, sit quietly for a few minutes, inviting everyone to reflect upon their need to forgive and to receive forgiveness. Pray together this prayer and offer one another a Sign of Peace.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

(Prayer to the Holy Spirit from A Book of Prayers)

St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol
During this challenging time our friends at St Vincent de Paul are trying their best to continue to provide services to the vulnerable in our community. However due to COVID-19 they have experienced a significant decline in vital winter clothing donations. St Vincent de Paul are still accepting donations and are following quarantine procedures to ensure that these items are safe for distribution. We understand that we had planned our annual St Benedict’s Winter Woollies Day for Term 3, but considering there is a current urgent need for donations we are encouraging all of our St Benedict’s families to do a clean out of their wardrobes to donate unwanted winter clothing. Of course donations of new clothing items are also welcomed. The Night Patrol Van is specifically seeking the following items in adult sizes:

• Jackets
• Gloves
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets
• Beanies
• Socks
• Scarves

These items should be donated directly to St Vincent de Paul Warehouse (32 Buckland St, Mitchell ACT) and on depositing these items you should let the volunteers know that you would like your donations to go specifically to the Night Patrol. Alternatively, you can make a financial donation online https://donate.vinnies.org.au/donation-hub

Thank you for your continued support.

Community Meals Program: HELP NEEDED!
The Community Meals freezer is one way we can assist families who are experiencing hardship. Unfortunately we are currently unable to accept donations of homemade meals, but we are seeking donations of store bought frozen meals and vegetables, and non-perishable can items. All frozen and non-perishable donations can be brought to the Front Office. If your family requires temporary meal assistance, you can speak in confidence to any of our staff members.

Thank so much to those who have made donations to this service. Your support is greatly appreciated!