St Brigid's Church Opening Times

Father Vince wishes to advise families and friends of St Joseph's School community that he will being opening the church, daily, for you to visit and spend some quiet time in the beautiful surroundings.

The church will be open from 7:30am - 5pm and visitors are asked to please follow COVID-19 regulations by signing in at the front table upon arrival.

Opening School Mass and Leaders Induction Celebration

A great big thank you to all students, staff and families on your participation in our Opening School Mass last Friday, which also saw us induct the School Captains and Prefects for 2021. Father Vince, in his homily, spoke of 'are you my brother's (sister's) keeper?' and the answer from God is 'yes!' We are all responsible for looking after one another and keeping each other safe, valued and cared for. Adding to this in her Principal's Address, Mrs Long congratulated all students on the way they have settled back into school life and how lovely it was to be able to welcome parents, grandparents and friends back to school celebrations. Mrs Long's theme for students and staff this year encourages all of us to be brave! To try something new, stand up for what is right, tell the truth, and turn to God for help. Above all, Come! Share the Spirit! that is St Joseph's School Community.

Lent 2021 - 'Be more...'

You are warmly invited to attend Ash Wednesday Mass which will be celebrated by our Parish Priest, Father Vince, at 9:30am on 17th February. Students and staff will be in attendance on this day, instead of Friday this week, to receive the ashes on the crown of the head. In keeping with COVID-19 regulations, please sign in at the front of the church, observe social distancing, and please stay home if you are unwell.

This week the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.

We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Each family will receive a Project Compassion box for their donations or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: https://lent.caritas.org.au/

Saint Oscar Romero is our inspiration for Project Compassion 2021, so in his words let’s “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”

**Project Compassion donation boxes will be sent home today - 1 box per family. Would you kindly return these at the end of Term 1**

Jamila's Story

During the season of Lent, students and staff will be engaging with the Caritas Australia resources to learn more about 'being more'. Please watch the film clip about one of the many inspirational stories of hope brought about by Project Compassion and Caritas Australia.

Sacrament of First Holy Communion

Please keep those preparing for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in your prayers.

Lesson 3 Wednesday 17th February

Lesson 4 Wednesday 24th February

Reflection Day will be held on Friday 26th February under the supervision of Mrs Rheinberger, Mrs Wilson and our Parish Catechists Mrs Helen Swain, Mrs Dara Kerklaan and Mr Luke Gunning.

Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sunday 28th February at 9:30am in St Brigid's Church.

Prayer to St Joseph

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To you God entrusted His only Son;

in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,

show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.

Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,

and defend us from every evil.

Amen.

God bless,

Mrs Wendy Rheinberger

Religious Education Coordinator

Library News

Mrs Kate Thompson