Sunday
27TH AUGUST
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 16:13-20 
 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Teacher Background
Gospel Reflection

Monday
28TH AUGUST
Memorial of St Augustine
According to St. Augustine, we need not pray for what we need because God already knows before we even ask. Instead, we ought to pray, to increase our love for God. 
​
Prayer of St Augustine
“You have made us for yourself,
O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
Spend a minute resting in the peace of God. 

Tuesday
29TH AUGUST
Memorial of St John the Baptist
John the Baptist was a contemporary of Jesus who was known for baptising Jesus. John began public ministry around 30 CE, and was known for attracting large crowds across the province of Judea and around the Jordan River. Because of his popularity and his preaching, he was condemned to death under the reign of King Herod.
Prayer 
God our strength and our hope,
grant us the courage of John the Baptist, constantly to speak the truth, boldly to speak against injustice and evil and patiently to suffer for the truth's sake; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen.​

Wednesday
30th AUGUST
Blessings
When we bless God, we praise and thank God. ​When we ask for God's blessing, we ask for God’s kindness and favour, trusting in God's response.
Try beginning or concluding the day with a simple blessing.
​May our God of Hope fill us with joy. Amen
May the peace of Christ guide our way. Amen
May the Spirit of wisdom inform our thoughts. Amen
May God keep us from all harm.  Amen​

Thursday
31ST August
Preparing for Spring
In June 2015, Pope Francis wrote a letter to the world about caring for the earth, our common home. It was called Laudato Si.  Later that year, he declared 1st September to be a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This annual day of prayer reminds us that God has entrusted creation to our care. 
Prayer:
God of All Creation, may your Spirit change our minds and hearts so that we learn how to care for the land, the seas that surround us and the skies that overarch us, and how to wisely use their natural gifts. 
​Resources: 
​‘Season of Creation’
​Catholic Earthcare Australia

Friday
1st SEPTEMBER
Father’s Day
Prayer:  
God our Father, in your wisdom and love You made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honour them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.