Catholic Identity
Sacramental Program-Preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist
This week our sacramental students begin a very special moment in their faith journey—preparation for their First Eucharist, the final Sacrament of Initiation into the Catholic Church.
This is a sacred and joyful time as they come to understand the deep meaning of receiving Holy Communion. Through their learning, the children are discovering that the Eucharist is not just a symbol, but the true presence of Jesus in the consecrated host. It is a gift of love, unity, and grace that nourishes our hearts and brings us closer to God and one another.
This week the parents and guardians of our sacramental students attend the final Adult Faith night, with Father Joe as our special guest speaker. Father Joe spoke about the importance of the sacrament of Eucharist and particularly for the students to learn that prayer is essential—not just now, but throughout their lives. Prayer helps them grow in relationship with Jesus and prepares their hearts to receive Him with reverence, gratitude, and joy.
Throughout the students’ preparation for their Sacraments of Initiation, creating their own prayer focus at home and beginning each lesson with prayer have helped them grow more spiritually aware, reflective, and connected to their faith journey.
This practice of prayer at home is beautifully complemented by the prayer life they share at school. Beginning each day with prayer helps all our students centre themselves, reflect on God’s presence in their lives, and connect what they’re learning to their own experiences of faith.
Prayer at school builds a strong sense of community and reminds students that they are on this sacred journey together, supported by their teachers, peers, and the wider school community. It reinforces the importance of turning to God regularly, not only during special times like preparing for a sacrament, but as a daily part of life.
We ask our school community to keep these children in your prayers as they continue their preparation. May this be a time of wonder, peace, and spiritual growth for them and their families.
A Prayer for Our Sacramental Students
Loving God,
We thank You for the gift of these children and for calling them to the table of the Lord.
As they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time,
fill their hearts with joy, faith, and love.
Help them always remember how sacred this sacrament is,
and guide them to walk closely with You throughout their lives.
Bless their families, teachers, and parish community
as they support these young ones in their journey of faith.
Amen.
St Brendan’s and St Luke’s come together
for the Feast of the Sacred Heart
This Friday, students from St. Brendan’s Primary School and St Luke’s Primary School will come together to celebrate the Poor Man’s Mass and the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a time to reflect on the deep love and compassion of Christ.
As two schools united in one parish, this shared celebration is a powerful reminder of our connection through faith, community, and service.
As part of this special occasion, students are invited to bring in non-perishable food donations. These generous gifts will be donated to St Vincent de Paul, helping to support families in our local area who are in need.
We are also honoured to welcome Celie Kelly as our guest speaker. Celie will speak about the mission of St Vincent de Paul and inspire students to see how small acts of generosity can make a big impact.
We thank our families for their continued support and generosity, and we look forward to this meaningful celebration of faith, unity, and compassion with our friends at St Luke’s.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL
Winter Meals Appeal Donations
A BIG THANK YOU!
On the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are reminded of Christ’s boundless love and compassion—a love that you have so generously mirrored through your thoughtful donations to our Winter Meals Appeal.
We extend our deepest gratitude for your contributions of non-perishable food items. Your kindness and generosity will bring warmth, nourishment, and hope to many individuals and families in need during the colder months.
Your support not only fills shelves but also hearts, and it is a beautiful testament to the spirit of community and faith that unites us.
Thank you once again for your incredible generosity and for living out the Sacred Heart’s message of love in action.
SEMESTER IN REVIEW
ASPILGRIMS OF HOPE
Jubilee Year Semester One:
Our journey together as Pilgrims of Hope
In this Jubilee Year, our school community has journeyed faithfully as Pilgrims of Hope, living out the call through prayer, action, and solidarity.
Term 1 - Foundations of Faith and Generosity
Pancake Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday)
Action: Dollar coin donations for pancakes
Purpose: Supporting Caritas Australia
Significance: A joyful beginning to Lent, blending tradition with generosity and heart.
Solidarity Walk
Action: Gold coin donations
Purpose: Raising awareness and funds for global justice
Significance: Walking side by side in unity, symbolising our shared journey of faith and hope.
Family Project Compassion Boxes
Action: Home-based fundraising
Purpose: Supporting the mission of Caritas Australia
Significance: A powerful expression of compassion from our families, bringing hope beyond the school gates.
National Sorry Day – Community Breakfast
Action: Student representatives attended a local community breakfast
Purpose: Acknowledging the past and committing to healing
Significance: Standing in solidarity with First Nations peoples as part of our ongoing journey of truth, justice, and reconciliation.
Total amount raised for Caritas Australia: $1,827.40
Term 2: Walking in Faith and Community
Ecumenical Whole School Pilgrimage Walk
Event: Celebrating Catholic Education Week
Action: A prayerful pilgrimage
Significance: A visible sign of unity in faith—walking together as one body in Christ.
Charism Week – Honouring Saint Brendan
Focus: Courage and hope drawn from our patron saint
Activities: Whole-school celebrations, reflections, and acts of service
Significance: A deepening of our identity and a celebration of the legacy of Saint Brendan.
National Reconciliation Week – Assembly Prayer Focus
Action: A school-wide prayer assembly
Focus: Promoting healing and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Significance: An intentional space to reflect on reconciliation and renew our commitment to walking together in hope and justice.
Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – Combined Mass with St Luke’s PS
Event: Annual outreach for social justice
Action: Shared Eucharist and community celebration
Significance: Culminating the semester in worship, generosity, and unity—two schools, one parish, one heart.
Winter Meals Appeal for St Vincent DePaul, Shepparton
TERM 3 - SAVE THIS IMPORTANT DATE
For our amazing Parish Priest – Father Joe Taylor
Thursday, 4th September
Retirement Assembly for Father Joe
In term 3, the students and staff of St Brendan’s Primary School will gather to farewell our much-loved Father Joe, who will be retiring at the end of September.
To honour his years of dedicated service to our Parish and school community, we will be holding a Retirement Liturgy and Mini Concert in Term 3. This special assembly will be a chance for us to thank Father Joe for his guidance, his kindness, and his deep commitment to his ministry.
We warmly invite all parents, guardians, friends, and family to join us as we celebrate Father Joe’s incredible contribution and wish him well in the next chapter of his life journey.
We look forward to seeing you there as we say a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to Father Joe.
Date: Thursday, 4th September
Time: 10.30am till approx. 11am
Venue: Our School Hall
Kind regards,
Leanne Pellegrino (Catholic Identity Leader)