Engaging in our Faith

 We pray for Pope Francis, giving thanks for his wonderful life as a humble servant of God and may we model his love of all those on the margins of society. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide those involved in choosing a new Pope for our Catholic world. You may even like to pray this prayer at home.

We Shall Remember Them - 

On the 27th of April, we had the honour of attending the ANZAC Day ceremony at St John’s Anglican Church (in Gordon) with Mrs Edwards. The church was absolutely beautiful and it was an experience that opened our eyes to the unique wartime history of Australia, as well as those who sacrificed their lives serving our now peaceful country. 

ANZAC or Australian & New Zealand Army Corps - were valiant people who died with courage and honour. They are emblems of bravery and their sacrifice is honoured by people all around the world. We wouldn’t be here today without their actions. During the lovely ceremony, we learnt so much about the terrors of wartime and the courage the ANZACs fought with. We even had the honour to listen to a first-hand account of the war from a veteran, who told us about one of the bravest soldiers he had the honour of knowing - a doctor who sacrificed his life to save another and became one of the first ones to fall during the battle of Gallipoli. This showed us that even in the dreadfulness of war, peace stands in the hearts of the ANZACs who sacrificed themselves. 

At the ceremony in Gordon, we had the honour of laying a handmade wreath at the altar. The crosses were brought back originally from the World Wars, and they bore marks that showed they were from long ago, even at a prison camp. This was a symbol of the courage and spirit the soldiers had even when they were suffering. During the service, there were beautiful songs sung by the church’s heavenly choir as well as a magnificent organ. 

The church was breath-taking. There were beautiful stained glass windows that covered the church and it was filled with showcases of history; from flags that represented Christian faith during wartime to the aforementioned crosses that honoured each and every one of the soldiers. We truly loved this opportunity to connect with God, honour the sacrifice of the soldiers and learn about the ANZACs as well as the battle of Gallipoli. 

Class ANZAC Day Liturgies

As a school we took time to pray and reflect with our class today.

You gave your lives so that we may live in freedom. 

All: Anzacs, we will remember you. 

You fought for us in the horror of war and showed us a great example of courage and love of our country.

All: Anzacs, we will remember you. 

We remember your families who lost loved ones in the fight for peace and justice. 

All: Anzacs, we will remember you. Loving God, bless all who fought so that we may be safe and free today. 

Remember their sacrifice and bless us with your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

All: Amen 

Lest We Forget. 

Josie & Matthew

Mission Leaders

Our next specific family weekend Mass is for Year 3 families on Sunday 18 May @6 pm. If you would like to join your child in reading at the Mass, please email me asap. 

Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month is the designated children's Mass that the Parish celebrates regularly. All faiths welcome! If you or your child would like to read together at one of the regular Parish Masses, please email Kate Falzon at the Parish on youth@lindfieldkillara.org.au 

We also welcomed some new school families to the Catholic faith at Easter. It was a wonderful celebration, and we pray for all those who are embarking on this new journey in their lives. Welcome to the families of Torres, Brendan, Marcus, Danniel and Ian C.

 CCSP is running a special reading online on the night of Tuesday 27 May at 7pm to celebrate the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly. Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of the Diocese of Wollongong, will read The Parable of the Lost Sheep online – a book reading designed to promote reading at home.

The first 100 registrations will receive a copy of the book, a tipsheet about home reading and a fridge magnet with reading at home tips for parents and carers.

REGISTER HERE: Click to register

The video is delightful, and Bishop Brian speaks a little at the beginning about what a Bishop does. We would love you to join us and Bishop Brian on the night with your family for this special book reading of The Parable of the Lost Sheep. A link will be sent to your registered email address on the day of the webinar.

Anne Gray

Parent Engagement Coordinator

anne.gray1@dbb.catholic.edu.au