In the Scripture reading for this Sunday’s Mass, Jesus puts before each of us the great command; ‘love one another, just as I love you.’ Jesus is not describing a sentimental view of love and he is not asking us to simply like each other. We are asked to love each other as Jesus showed us; the type of love that is shown in service and sacrifice; the type of love that does not expect anything in return. This kind of love is the hallmark of Christianity. We see it lived in the witness of the martyrs. We see it in the example of the lives of the saints – like Mary Mackillop and Mother Teresa - and we see it in the holy women and men around us who live and love daily, making small and large sacrifices for others.

The season of Easter reminds us of the lengths Jesus went to so he could physically demonstrate his love for each of us. On Holy Thursday, he got down on his knees to wash his apostles’ feet. On Good Friday, he was ridiculed, tortured and lifted up on the cross for us. And on Easter Sunday, he burst out of the tomb with the gift of new life, opening the way to heaven for all of us.

Jesus tells us that all will know we are his followers if we love as he did. And St John of the Cross reminds us, ‘at the end of our lives, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and our human achievements but on how much we have loved.’

Let us strive for excellence in taking up Jesus’ call to truly love one another – as He loved us!

Winter Appeal 2022

Our Year 6 Mini Vinnies students launched the Vinnies WINTER APPEAL this week!

Every year the St Vincent de Paul Society runs its Winter Appeal to collect items to assist people through the coldest time of the year.

Over 25 827 children under 18 are homeless. Over two thirds of those children are under 12. 1 in 4 children aged 14 and under, are in supported accommodation for the homeless.   739,000 children aged 12 and under.

The St Vincent de Paul Society is able to provide not only emergency assistance to the homeless – but also a hand up to a better life.

By supporting the 2022 Vinnies Winter Appeal, you are helping provide support to more than 40 000 people from the Canberra/Goulburn region who are currently living in poverty

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD by supporting our Mini Vinnies WINTER APPEAL

Donation of the following items would be greatly appreciated:

• New thick socks
• New gloves/mittens
• Coats and scarves
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/donnas

 (please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)

We could all make a difference in our world with these goals!

Let us all answer Jesus’ call to carry on His mission of love…

Many thanks from St Mary’s Mini Vinnies Team