Catholic Identity

Dear Families,

Let us Pray….

Blessed are you, Lord God, 

Creator of body and mind and heart; 

you have sent the Spirit of wisdom and 

knowledge to guide your people in all their ways. 

At the beginning of this new school year 

we implore your mercy: 

bless the families, staff  and  parishoners of Sacred Heart School & Parish,

 that together we may grow in faith, hope, and love

 as we learn from you and each other

 how to follow your Son Jesus. 

Expand the horizons of our minds, that we may grow in wisdom, 

understanding, and knowledge; 

deepen our commitment to seek the truth of your ways; 

and enliven our faith to reach out to those in need. 

Glory and praise to you, Lord God, in the Church and 

in Christ Jesus forever and ever. 

Amen

A huge welcome to all.  We look forward to partnering with our families and parish community for a year of safe, respectful learning.  

We will continue to actively build on the wonderful partnerships between School and Parish, with the leadership of our Parish Priest, Father John Paul and our Principal, Pauline Hindson.

The Catholic Education Sandhurst theme for 2022 is ‘Tell the Good News’. 

Maria Ford, our “CES Education Officer: Spiritual Encounter and Music Ministry”, has composed a song to accompany the theme. 

Our 2022 theme invites us to go forth and spread the good news of a God who loves us deeply. “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15. 

This week’s Gospel   -   Luke 5:1-11

“They left everything and followed Jesus."

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke                             

​Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, teaching the people as they crowded around him to hear God's message. Near the shore he saw two boats left there by some fishermen who had gone to wash their nets.

Jesus got into the boat that belonged to Simon and asked him to row it out a little way from the shore. Then Jesus sat down in the boat to teach the crowd. When Jesus had finished speaking, he told Simon, "Row the boat out into the deep water and let your nets down to catch some fish."

"Master," Simon answered, "we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down."

They did it and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart. Then they signalled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. The men came, and together they filled the two boats so full that they both began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this happen, he kneeled down in front of Jesus and said, "Lord, don't come near me! I am a sinner."

Peter and everyone with him were completely surprised at all the fish they had caught.

His partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were surprised too.

Jesus told Simon, "Don't be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish." The men pulled their boats up on the shore. Then they left everything and went with Jesus.

Reflecting on the Gospel story….

Peter and his friends were experienced fishermen; they knew what they were doing. They had fished all night without catching a single fish. So when Jesus told Peter to row out into the lake and lower his net again, it took a lot of trust from Peter. Peter obeyed Jesus because he trusted in him.

Liturgy & Prayer

“Prayer is key to a living faith, nourishing the soul and orienting each person to God.” (Horizons of Hope)  

Our school community gathers together a number of times throughout the year to celebrate Eucharistic and non-Eucharistic liturgies.  Students participate in liturgies in a variety of ways such as reading scripture, prayers, singing and presenting reflections.

Prayer is integral, yet fluid to everyday life here at Sacred Heart School.  There are many opportunities for staff, students and Parents/Care Givers to pray, for example; morning &/or afternoon prayer, assemblies, liturgies, staff meetings, faith workshops, school Masses and family weekend Masses.  We look forward to these times together and the opportunity to grow in our faith.

Dates for Term 1:

TBA - Beginning of the Year School Mass

2nd March, 9.15am - Ash Wednesday School-Parish Mass (TBC)

20th March, 10am School - Parish Mass; Morning Tea after Mass

Prayer for this Week

Have a great week!

Debbie Turvey

RE Leader