Religious Education & Parish News
First Eucharist
We are pleased to invite children and their families to begin the journey towards receiving their First Holy Communion.
The First Holy Eucharist programme is primarily intended for Year 4 students who have already celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation. Older children who have received these sacraments but have not yet celebrated their First Holy Communion are also warmly invited to join the programme.
If your child is eligible and you would like them to participate in this year's programme, please complete the registration form ASAP.
The programme provides opportunities for both children and parents to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist and prepare together for this important step in your child's faith journey. As part of the programme, families are asked to commit to:
- Attending one Parent Formation Session
- Attending one Parent and Child Workshop
Participating regularly in Sunday Parish Mass, where families will collect and complete reflection activities that form part of the preparation for the sacrament.
Dates and further details will be provided by the Parish Sacramental Team following registration.
To register, please complete the sign-up form by following this link.
If you have any questions regarding your child's eligibility, the programme, registration or any other aspect of the First Holy Communion journey, please contact Ann Rode at the parish: parishofstthomasap@gmail.com
We look forward to accompanying your family as your child prepares to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
Homeless Jesus by Timothy Schmalz (2013)
One of the most memorable moments from my recent travels was coming across the Homeless Jesus statue in Dublin.
At first glance, it looks like a person sleeping on a park bench, wrapped in a blanket. It is only when you notice the wounds on the feet that you realise the figure is Jesus. The sculpture brings to life Jesus' words from Matthew's Gospel: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
The statue is a powerful reminder to truly see the people around us. In our busy lives, it can be easy to walk past someone who is lonely, struggling or simply in need of kindness. It challenges us to pause, notice and respond with compassion.
At St Thomas the Apostle, we strive to nurture children who are curious, compassionate and respectful of the dignity of every person. Inspired by Jesus and our patron, St Thomas, we encourage our students to look beyond first impressions, avoid assumptions and recognise the value in everyone they meet.
Whether through a kind word, including someone who feels left out or offering a helping hand, small acts of kindness help bring our school motto, My Lord and My God, to life each day.
May we continue to encourage our children to notice others with open hearts and to make our community one where everyone feels seen, valued and loved.
This Term's Community Masses
Date | Community Leading | Guest Community | Special Day |
15 th July | No School Mass | ||
22nd July | Jericho Year 4 | Damascus Year 2 | Mary Magdalene |
29th July | Galilee Foundation | Ephesus Year 3 | Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus |
5th Aug | Bethlehem Year 6 | Bethany Year 5 | |
12th Aug | Bethany Year 5 | Jerusalem Year 1 | St Jane Frances de Chantal |
19th Aug | Ephesus Year 3 | Bethlehem Year 6 | St John Eudes |
26th Aug | Jerusalem Year 1 | Galilee Foundation | |
2nd Sept | Damascus Year 2 | Jerusalem Year 1 | |
9th Sept | No School Mass | ||
16th Sept | No School Mass | ||
St Thomas Parish Weekend Mass Schedule
Masses
† Saturday Vigil Mass: 6.00pm
† Sunday Masses: 9:00am, 10:45am & 5.00pm
For other Masses in the week and Reconciliation times...
If you have any wonderings about Religous Education at St Thomas you are always welcome to email or arrange a time to chat with me.
Sarah Chappell
Religous Education Leader
schappell@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au