Religious Education

Parish Bulletin

'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these 

who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ 

Matthew 25:40

This Scriptural quote sets the scene for what we are about to embark over the next forty days. So too does the sculpture by Timothy Schmalz titled: The Homeless Jesus which also reminds us of our role in helping others less fortunate than ourselves.

This week, we enter one of the most important liturgical times of our Catholic calendar – the Season of Lent. Today is Shrove Tuesday, so I am sure there will be lots of pancake making at home. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the commencement of Lent. We would usually be celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass tomorrow but unfortunately, due to the recent lock down this is unable to occur, however you can watch various Masses online for this special occasion.

Today we also see the launch of Caritas’ Project Compassion. The theme for this year’s project is: ‘Aspire not to have more, but to be more’, a quote derived from Saint Oscar Romero. This year’s Project Compassion message is to be proactive in joining millions of Australians who strive towards ending poverty and injustice in our world.

Each class will receive a Project Compassion Money Box to donate any possible proceeds towards this great cause. The students will also be exploring the many resources provided by Caritas to learn more about prayer, almsgiving and fasting during their Religious Education Inquiry Unit of Work. Together, we can make a difference.

The Sacramental Program in our Parish

The advice from the St Agatha’s Parish is as follows:

FIRST RECONCILIATION 2020: For those children who prepared in 2020 and have not received their First Reconciliation. First Reconciliation will be held on Saturday 20th February after 9.30 am Mass. Please contact Sr Mary on 5996 1985. 

FIRST COMMUNION 2020: Ceremonies will begin for those children who have completed their Preparation for this Sacrament in 2020 from the 13th & 14th February 2021 until August 2021. Five candidates per Mass and families will need to make TWO separate bookings. Book First Communion date for your child’s ceremony AND book Mass attendance for the family online via our parish website. Parents and children are encouraged to attend Reconciliation prior to the ceremony. 

FIRST RECONCILIATION 2021: At this stage, the Information Session and Parent Workshop on Thursday 18th February (changed due to Ash Wednesday) at 7.00 pm at St Agatha’s School Hall is still going ahead. Parents need to attend only ONE session (no need to bring your child). For inquiries, please contact Sr Mary on 5996 1985. If changes to this workshop are made due to COVID restrictions, an Operoo alert will be forwarded to families.

Please also refer to the attached Parish Bulletin for any additional information surrounding the Sacraments.

The reception of the Sacraments in the St Agatha’s Parish, which includes our St Therese students, is as follows:

Year 3 - Reconciliation

Year 4 - First Eucharist/Communion

Year 6 - Confirmation

For those students who have missed receiving the Sacraments during the above-mentioned years, they are welcome and invited to receive the Sacraments in their current year level. You may contact Sister Mary on 5996 1985 regarding this matter or myself on 5996 7525 or mhinds@sttcbourne.catholic.edu.au.

Altar Servers Training

There will be opportunity for students to become altar servers to assist in the celebration of Mass. If your child is interested in becoming an altar server, training is scheduled for Tuesday 16th March 2021 from 4-5 p.m at the St Agatha’s Church. Registration forms will be distributed to any interested students in the coming weeks.

A Sacramental Timetable is included in the newsletter again this week for your reference. Please note that some dates have changed since last year.

Grow in gratitude and empathy.

Michelle Hinds