Faith News

Important Dates

Beginning of the 2024 School Year Mass

Thursday, February 22nd- St Brendan’s Church at 11:30 am

Mass leaders: Year Five & Six staff and students. All are welcome.

Term Two

First Reconciliation Sacramental Liturgy

Thursday May 2nd at St Brendan’s Church at 2:00 pm

First Eucharist Sacramental Mass

Saturday, June 1st, at St Brendan’s Church at 6:00 pm

Term Three

Year Six Confirmation Sacramental Mass

Saturday, July 27th at St Brendan’s. Church at 6:00 pm

***More dates will be announced in the coming weeks for First Eucharist and Confirmation preparation events.

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation

First Reconciliation for Year Three students (and older students who seek this sacrament) will be the first sacrament to be celebrated through our school sacramental program at St Brendan’s. Enrolment forms and information will be posted on Operoo in the coming weeks. However, families students wishing to enroll, please save the following dates:

First Reconciliation parent and student evening workshop-

Wednesday, March 13th. St Brendan’s Church at 5:30-6:30 pm

First Reconciliation Parish Commitment Masses:

Saturday, March 16th at St Brendan’s Church at 6:00 pm.(Parish Mass)

Thursday, March 21st at St Brendan’s Church, 11:30 am (School Mass)

Saturday, April 20th at St Brendan’s Church at 6:00 pm. (Parish Mass)

First Reconciliation Sacramental Liturgy

Thursday May 2nd at St Brendan’s Church at 2:00 pm

Thank You

Thank you to all of the wonderful parishioners, parents and family members and friends who supported and attended the Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday, February 14th. The staff and students enjoyed celebrating this very special Mass to begin the Lenten Season together as a school and parish community. Please feel welcome at all of our future whole school Masses this year, all of which will be advertised in the school newsletter.

Social Justice Action Team (SJAT) News

All Year Five and Six students were warmly invited to apply for a position of leadership on the Social Justice Action Team (SJAT). Thank you to the students who applied for a position. I am really looking forward to working with the newly appointed SJAT towards making a positive difference in our world and supporting those in need. The SJAT will meet most fortnights during Thursday lunchtimes. Congratulations to the following students who were presented with their badges at this week’s assembly:

5/6 W (Miss Waldock)

Emilia H Year 5 & Indiana S Year 5

5/6 R (Miss Ristrom)

Abel A Year 5 & Ella B Year 5

5/6 N (Mrs Reed)

Fawn J Year 6 & Mia F Year 5

Supporting the Caritas Project Compassion Lenten Appeal

Now that the Season of Lent has begun, we are reminded of the Catholic Social Teaching Principle Preferential Option for Those in Need/The Poor. In the coming weeks, all students will learn about the Catholic Christian tradition of ‘almsgiving’ throughout the Lenten Season. Almsgiving aligns beautifully with the Caritas Project Compassion Lenten Appeal. As supporters of Caritas, we are also fortunate to access a wide range of Caritas school resources free of charge. While small cash donations are encouraged by students throughout Lent, families are encouraged to learn more about the work of Caritas and contribute whatever they can electronically. To support Caritas or for more information please visit the Caritas webpage here. Families may also wish to read and discuss the weekly Lenten reflections provided by Caritas. Please see the Lenten Reflections for Weeks One & Two below.

Catholic Baptism

For families considering The Sacrament of Catholic Baptism for their child/ren, please contact the Western Port Parish Centre on (03) 5979 4374. Should you make Baptism arrangements with the Parish, please inform me so that this special milestone for your child can be acknowledged within the school community. Please also forward a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate to the school so that this can be reflected in the school records.

Families who wish for their children to receive any sacrament or The Rite of Reception through the parish, have been requested by Fr Shymon to make timely arrangements, as adequate preparation is required. This is especially important when families wish to enroll in school sacramental preparation programs, such as First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. Please consider this advice in preparation for our school sacramental programs for 2024.

Christian Initiation for Adults: RCIA

Have you ever considered becoming a Catholic or continuing the Catholic sacramental journey which you commenced as a child or younger adult?

Adults who wish to begin or continue their faith journey through the reception of the Catholic sacraments are invited to contact the Western Port Parish Centre on (03) 5979 4374.

Catholic Care

For further information about the services offered by Catholic Care for those in need, please visit: https://www.ccam.org.au/

Western Port Parish News

Please follow this link to the Western Port Parish web page, and to find out more about parish happenings.

Access to Australian Catholics Online Magazine

Hard copies of the Australian Catholic Magazine will be distributed to all families whose eldest children are in Year 3-6 this year. Please look out for these throughout the year and have a read over a ‘cuppa’ to discover more about happenings in Catholic schools and parishes.

ALl families have FREE access to the Australian Catholics online resource. To access this fabulous resource, please click here and use the following login details to gain access:

Email: parents@sbsomerville.catholic.edu.au

NEW Password: acparents

Yours in faith & harmony.

Emma Chapple -Religious Education Leader -Performing Arts Classroom Specialist Teacher

echapple@sbsomerville.catholic.edu.au

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