SPaR

Stop, Pray and Reflect (SPaR) returns this week. For those new to our school it is a 10 - 15 minute parent and carer prayer session, held roughly each fortnight which gives us the opportunity to be still and allow the presence of God to work in his mysterious ways. Some weeks it may go for a bit longer if there is an activity attached, however, I will notify when this is the case via the newsletter. Our next SPaR will be Tuesday 21st March, 2023 at 9am in the Parish Centre and the theme is Graceful Surrender. Please join us if you have 10 - 15 minutes to spare.

The SPaR calendar for Term 1 2023 is below. Lock these dates in your diary so you don’t miss out. 9am in the Parish Centre.

Date	Theme
Tuesday 21st March, 2023	Graceful Surrender
Thursday 23rd March, 2023 (tbc)	Lenten Labyrinth (Centennial Park)
Tuesday 28th March, 2023	Forgiving First
Tuesday 4th April, 2023	Easter Hope

…Pray about everything.

Tell God what you need and Thank Him for all he has done.

If you do this, the peace of God which surpasses all understanding,

Will guard your hearts and your minds….

Phil 4:6-7

Lenten Sessions - Botany Randwick

The Parishes in Botany Randwick have combined to present Lenten Sessions throughout this important time in our Liturgical calendar. It’s FREE and you can attend as many sessions as you would like. I will be co- facilitating the Stations of the Cross session with fellow Family Educators on 5th April, 2023. It will be an outdoor walking Stations of the Cross at Sacred Heart Matraville followed by an ‘Upper Room’ experience of the Last Supper. It is one not to be missed! Hope to see as many of you as possible. Details below for all sessions.

Family Mass 2023

Our Family Masses are held once a term and children from all year levels and parents will be asked to participate in the mass as Readers, Ministers etc.. (if we have any singers in our community, we would like to know about you!). Below is the schedule of Family Masses at St Margaret Mary’s for 2023. Please ensure these dates are in your diary. As we only have one Family Mass per term, it is expected all families participate and it is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community for Sunday mass followed by morning tea.

Term 1	Sunday 19th March, 2023
Term 2	Sunday 28th May, 2023 (Pentecost Sunday and presentation of Year 6 Confirmation candidates)
Term 3	Sunday 23rd July, 2023 (Grandparents Day)
Term 4	Sunday 3rd December, 2023 (First Sunday of Advent)

Calling all creative Parents and Carers

If you feel you have a creative flare or would like to try your hand at something creative, I will be facilitating a Sacramental craft workshop to make bracelets which will be sold at this years Mothers Day Stall. Workshop dates:

Monday 20th March, 2023 - 9am - 10am

Tuesday 21st March, 2023 - 9:15am (after SPaR) - 10:30am

If you are interested and would like to participate in part of, or both sessions, please email me at lucille.gravina@syd.catholic.edu.au

Thank you - Family & Faith Survey

Thank you to all families who have already completed the Family and Faith survey. There is still time to provide your suggestions and feedback and I will look at reviewing and implementing activities/initiatives as appropriate from Term 2.

Positive Parenting Workshop

Below is a link to register for the FREE Positive Parenting Workshop which will be held by Randwick City Council on Friday 17th March, 2023.

https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/community/whats-on/events/2023/march/positive-parenting-2-18-years

Guest Speaker Joelle Maryn - Friday 17th March, 2023

Holy Family Maroubra will host Guest Speaker Joelle Maryn on Friday 17th March, 2023 at 7pm. Joelle is an American Actress and model and will share her encounter with Christ that changed her direction in life. This event is FREE. Click on the link below to register.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/joelle-maryn-at-holy-family-catholic-church-maroubra-tickets-535372953917

Lenten Labyrinth

Fr Michael will lead us through prayer at the Labyrinth at Centennial Park on Thursday 23rd March, 2023 after school drop off. To register your attendance email lucille.gravina@syd.catholic.edu.au.

St Margaret Mary’s Playgroup

The St Margaret Mary’s Playgroup will run every Wednesday morning from 9am – 10:30am during school term. If you have children starting at St Margaret Mary’s in 2023 or beyond, please join us. Spread the word as there may be new families in our community who are unaware we have a playgroup at the school.

In this third week of Lent, we hear the Gospel of the Samaritan woman drawing water from the well. We ask our heavenly Father to help us draw from the spring inside of us, that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may worship in truth and love and witness the power of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Go gently, every blessing,

Ms. Lucille Gravina

Family Educator

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