Sacrament of First Holy Communion

Students in Year 3 and above, who have received the sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation, would have received an enrolment note in Week 10 last term to enrol for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion (Eucharist).

This sacrament will be celebrated on Sunday 17th November 9:30am at St Francis Xavier Church, Moree.

The enrolment and first formation session for this sacrament was held on Sunday 13th October, 10:30am at St Francis Xavier Church (repeated Monday 14th October, 3:30pm St Francis Xavier Church).

Rehearsal session for this sacrament will take place on Sunday 10th November, 10:30am St Francis Xavier Church (repeated Tuesday 12th November, 3:30pm St Francis Xavier Church).

Reproductive Health Bill - Statement from our Bishop, Michael Kennedy

Our Bishop has asked us to communicate the following statement to you regarding the Reproductive Health Bill which is currently before the NSW Parliament. The statement can be accessed here. For further information on this matter please contact the Diocesan Chancery Offices.

1 million children pray the Rosary

On Friday the 18th of October our School gathered in the hall to support ACN International and joined thousands of children worldwide in praying the Rosary.

The initial idea for this campaign was conceived in 2005 at a wayside shrine to Our Lady in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital. Coming upon a group of children spontaneously praying the Rosary there, some of the women who were present also had a profound experience of the presence of Our Blessed Lady. One of them recalled a promise made by St Padre Pio, who once said, “When a million children pray the Rosary, then the world will change.”

The aim of this prayer initiative is first of all to show that the trusting prayer of children can fly like an arrow straight to the heart of God and consequently has great influence. How powerful then is the prayer of the Rosary when prayed by children for peace and unity within families, within their own nation and in the whole world!

Catholic Mission Month

October is Worth Mission Month and Pope Francis has declared this an Extraordinary Missionary Month calling for a reawakening of missionary vitality across the world. St Philomena's will support World Mission Month during Week 3. This year the focus is on Ghana, the country, the people and the life challenges faced by many children and young people. We will learn how the local Church is responding, fulfilling its mission to build a better future for children and families on the margins.

The Extraordinary Missionary Month is to be an opportunity for reflection, prayer and support for the missionary efforts of individuals, communities and whole Church.

MISSION MONTH Activities Week:

MONDAY 28th of October: Catholic Mission Month Liturgy 11:40

Students will remove their shoes to walk to the hall barefoot, in solidarity with those children all over the world who attend school barefoot.

TUESDAY 29th of October: SOCKball making and shootout

Socktober invites children to engage with developing world issues through the language they understand best – play! Students are challenged to ‘Sock it to Poverty’ using the international game of soccer. Shooting goals with their own hand-made recycled ‘Sockball’, students will experience how soccer is played in the countries supported by Catholic Mission.

Students will need to bring their own materials to school to make their SOCKballs (using old clothes, RedCycle items, wool, yarn, etc...) and have a 'shoot out' to determine the best SOCKball creator.

WEDNESDAY 30th of October: Busking for Catholic Missions

As our main fundraiser for Catholic Missions Month, we are hosting a busking lunchtime. Students (and staff) from K-10 are encouraged to become buskers, showcasing their special and hidden talents. All students are encouraged to bring spare change to school to 'put in the hats' for the buskers.

**Students wishing to be a busker MUST nominate themselves at the Primary Workroom**

THURSDAY 31st of October: Sock-it-to-Poverty Crazy Sock Day

Students wear CRAZY SOCKS to school on Thursday and bring with them a pair of new socks to donate. Socks will be hung on the line and displayed for the day in the quad as a reminder to sock it to poverty. These socks will be donated to our local St Vincent de Paul shop, where socks are one of the most in demand items and the least donated. Last year we had many pairs, which were gratefully received.

At lunch time the Secondary Vinnies Students will host a "Rock your socks off" Dance Party in the hall.

FRIDAY 1st of November: Feast of All Saints.

Our greater school and parish community will celebrate together in the hall at 11:40 for the feast of All Saints, as always, parents are most welcome to attend.

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