Gospel of the Week

 Matthew 16:13-19

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

You are Peter, and I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said, ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said, ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So, I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’

Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,

This week, the Gospel tells us Peter, meaning rock, the foundation - upon which the church will be built. Jesus gives Simon Peter a new identity, but also defines a new community, a new family. This family would last forever; Peter and other members were given authority and 'keys' to the Kingdom of God.

Jesus is going to build his church. This is the first time Jesus uses the word “church” and he will only use it one other place in the Gospel of Matthew. The word “church” simply means “assembly.” Jesus proclaims that on the foundation of the apostles Jesus will build his assembly of saved people.

Tomorrow the school reports will be uploaded onto the Parent Access Module (PAM) for parents to view. This year, the reports will look different, and the main change is that there is no written comment. Please ensure you read the cover letter that is at the front of your child’s school report. There are instructions listed below on how to access the reports. If you have any concerns, please call the office on 5943 9000 or call in to see Megan or Cindy.

This week, St Patrick’s is undergoing its Review process which I have written about in the newsletter this term. Students, all staff and parents were interviewed in this process. The outcome of the school review will see new goals set in the areas of Catholic identity, Learning and Teaching, Leadership-Learning and Teaching, Leadership- Child Safety and Leadership- Resources. I would like to tank all my staff on their valuable contributions to our school. Their tireless efforts do not go unnoticed, and I applaud the work they do in nurturing your child’s academic and social emotional wellbeing.

Thank you and God Bless,

Meg