Catholic Identity 

Sacramental Program 2026–2027: Invitation to Children in Year 3 and above 

St Mary’s Parish warmly invites children in Year 3 and above who have not yet received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist to take part in St Mary’s Parish Sacramental Program for 2026–2027. 

It will begin with an Information Evening for Parents, where the program will be explained, including requirements and the journey ahead. 

📅 Wednesday, 9 September 2026 🕖 7:00 pm 📍 St Mary’s Parish Church, Echuca 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Who is the Sacramental Program for? The program is primarily for baptised children in Year 3 and above who have not yet received one or more of these Sacraments. 

What if my child has not been baptised? You are very welcome to speak with us. If your child has not yet been baptised but is interested in preparing for the Sacraments, please let us know. 

We can provide a suitable period of formation and preparation, with the possibility of celebrating the child's Baptism in early November, so that they can then be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation later in November. 

What is the timeline for the Sacramental Program? 

November 2026: Sacrament of Reconciliation 

May 2027: Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist, to be celebrated with Bishop René 

Further information about the program, preparation sessions, dates and requirements will be provided at the Information Evening for Parents. 

We warmly encourage all interested parents to come along and learn more about this important journey of faith for their children. 

Season of Creation Mass 

On Tuesday 1st September, we began the Season of Creation with our Learning Leaders from Foundation to Year 2 representing St Mary’s Primary School at a Diocesan Mass held at Huntly Streamside Reserve. 

It was wonderful to be led in this celebration by Bishop Rene, Father Novie and many other clergy from across the Sandhurst Diocese. We were joined by learners, staff and members of other schools and parishes, with more than 200 people gathered together in celebration. 

The learners representing our school acknowledged the importance of God’s gifts of creation and our call to care for and protect these gifts. Through Religious Education, our learners are exploring practical ways to care for creation and reflecting on how we are called to be stewards of the Earth, both today and into the future. 

Celebrating Mass in the open air, surrounded by the beauty of creation, was a truly special gift. It provided a wonderful reminder of the many blessings our Creator God has given us and of our responsibility to care for all that has been entrusted to us. 

Solidarity with creation is our role. 

 What is a Psalm? 

Year 2 have been learning about where to find the Book of Psalms in the Bible and what the purpose of a psalm is.  

Together we have found out that the Book of Psalms is a collection of 150 songs or poems which were written to express people’s emotions including those of sorrow, joy and anger. Often these were accompanied by musical instruments, particularly horns and harps. 

Together we read Psalm 8:1-9 and identified new and interesting words including foe, avenger, infants, flock and herd. 

We also noticed that the Psalm begins and ends with the same exclamation. We used this model in our own Psalm which was written collectively by Year 2C: 

Father, our King, listen to us when we are talking. 

Thank you for my life, for our earth and all the beautiful things. 

Thank you for keeping us safe. 

Father, our King, listen to us when we are talking. 

Choir takes to the road   

On Wednesday 16th September, members of St Mary's Choir will walk to Echuca Community for the Aged, departing school at 9:45am and returning at approximately 11:30am. 

During their visit, the Choir will entertain residents through song and conversation. This experience provides a wonderful opportunity for learners to build connections within our local community, share their love of music, and bring joy to others through their gifts and talents. 

We value opportunities such as these, which promote community engagement, compassion, and confidence while allowing learners to perform for an appreciative audience. 

Father’s Day 

Heavenly Father, 

We give thanks for the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who have loved, guided, protected, and supported their families. 

Thank You for the gift of fathers and for the ways they reflect Your love, strength, wisdom, and compassion. Bless them with patience when the journey is difficult, wisdom when decisions must be made, and strength for the responsibilities they carry. 

For fathers who are grieving the loss of a child, a parent, or a loved one, bring them comfort and peace. For those who are separated from their families, draw them close and remind them that they are loved. For those who carry their own burdens silently, surround them with people who will encourage and support them. 

Bless every father with grace to lead with love, humility, and faith. May their homes be filled with peace, their hearts with joy, and their lives with the knowledge that their love and presence make a difference. 

We also remember with gratitude the fathers who have gone before us. May the memories of their love continue to bless and strengthen those they left behind. 

Above all, may we remember You, our Heavenly Father, whose love never fails and whose arms are always open to us. 

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen. 

Mass & Liturgy Timetable