Family Connection
“Hey, that's not fair!” How many times have you heard this spoken in your family? Family members challenge one another's generosity, operating from the perspective of limited resources. If we have given to one, perhaps there won't be enough for the other. Jesus wants us to understand that this is not how it is with God's mercy and forgiveness. God offers his love to all of us in abundance. The forgiveness of the father in the parable is an image of God's love for us, generous beyond measure in his love for both of his sons. Can we truly believe that God acts this way towards us and accept his mercy without jealousy, knowing that God's love for another does not diminish his love for us?

As you gather as a family, talk about the words and phrases you speak to one another when angry. Identify words or phrases that reflect jealousy towards one another. Talk about why we sometimes feel jealousy towards one another. Read aloud today's Gospel, Luke 15:1-3,11-32. Talk about why the older brother is jealous of the younger brother. Identify words that the family members in the parable might say to one another to begin to heal their broken relationships. Make a family commitment to say these types of words and phrases to one another with greater frequency. Pray together with the Lord's Prayer.

Harmony Day
It was wonderful to see an orange flare of students light up St Matthew’s on Tuesday. Thank you for your generous donations towards Caritas Project Compassion. We raised $459!

Year 3 First Reconciliation Retreat
Today, our Year 3 students gathered to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This retreat, run by Maddie and the Youth Ministry team, gave students the opportunity to reflect in prayer. In class, the students have been learning about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Next Tuesday and Wednesday evening, the students along with their families will gather in the Church to celebrate receiving this Sacrament. Please keep them in your prayers.

Daniel Hunt
Acting Religious Education Coordinator