THE LORD’S PRAYER
In last Sunday’s Gospel reading, we learn how the prayer we know as the OUR FATHER or THE LORD’S PRAYER originated.  Luke 11:1-13 writes…

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

He said to them, “When you pray, say:

“‘Father,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation.”

From this story, we realise that Jesus’ disciples noticed that Jesus prayed a lot. He thanked God for food and for help—sometimes before he even got the help. He prayed all alone … and in the middle of a group. The disciples had watched Jesus pray and they wanted Jesus to teach them ‘how to pray’. Jesus gave them a model of a prayer, simple and yet all encompassing, through the words of what we now call the Our Father.

Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer, is slightly shorter than the prayer we generally pray, which was written in Matthew’s Gospel; yet the essence is still there. From the very beginning of the prayer, Jesus invites his disciples into a deeply personal relationship with God, encouraging them to call upon God using the same name he uses – Abba or Father. He invites his disciples to call upon God, just as children call upon a loving parent, trusting that they belong to God and that God wants for them what is good and life giving.

Prayer can be challenging for many people. Like the disciples, some have a difficult time knowing how to pray or understanding what prayer is. The message of Luke’s Gospel reminds us, that prayer does not have to be scary or complicated. Prayer is our own meaningful way of talking with our Heavenly Father. The Lord’s Prayer is a positive helper, to remind us that God wants to hear from us. Prayer is about the relationship we have with God; and praying can help bring about a deeper, more honest, and more trusting relationship with God. That is the power of prayer. Prayer is our opportunity to connect to God in our own unique and special way.

ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP FEAST DAY/NED’S MINDSET MISSION
On Thursday the 8^th of August, our school will be celebrating St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s Feast Day. Mary MacKillop established the Order of St Joseph’s Congregation and through this congregation, the Sisters of St Joseph, helped establish our school. Recognising their contribution to the charism of St Michael’s is an important part of our school vision and mission. It is a tradition at our school, that on this feast day, we celebrate a liturgy together; share a meal together- very tasty BBQ sausages on a roll, especially cooked by Mrs Petzer; and play fun games organised by our Year 6 class.

This year we have an extra special event booked- The Ned’s Mindset Mission. Just as Mary MacKillop said to us “Never see a need without doing something about it”, Ned’s Mindset Mission presentation, encourages the children to become positive role models both at school and at home through “Never giving up and encouraging others to do their best”.

Thank you to Mrs Mitchell, who will be organising the liturgy as part of her new role as Acting Religious Education Coordinator. It should be a very special day for our school community.

FR SEAN CULLEN’S 35th ANNIVERSARY OF HIS ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
This Sunday, Fr Sean celebrates his 35^th Anniversary of his ordination as a priest. Our school community would like to wish Fr Sean every blessing on this special occasion. Thank you, Fr Sean, for all that you do for our school and parish community, here at St Michael’s Mittagong.

SCHOOL PHOTOS
Today was a special day ……. school photo day! I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for the excellent way the children presented themselves in their uniform. Visitors to our school, often remark that our students here at St Michaels, certainly take pride in their uniform. That is really lovely to be recognised. We saw lots of great smiles today, so I am sure the children’s photos will be ones to treasure. I would like to thank the office staff and Miss O’Brien for organising the day.

CALENDAR
A reminder to please regularly check the school calendar.  This term is quite busy with school and P&F events.  

The P&F will be holding a Father's Day Stall this term as well as the Walkathon fundraiser.  Please note these dates in your calendar.

SOUP
From next week, the Year 6 social group will sell soup at afternoon tea, on Monday and Tuesday for 50c a cup. It would be appreciated if students have the correct money as it is difficult getting change.

CALCULATOR% APP FACTSHEET
Please see attached “APP Facts” sheet on Calculator%.  Please take the time to read the fact sheet. 

Have a lovely week.

Mrs Katrina West
Acting Principal.