Catholic Identity

 Catholic Identity Reflection

 Religious Education Leader - Elizabeth Holligan

Palm Sunday of The Passion Of The Lord

Palm Sunday signals the beginning of Holy Week for Catholics and other Christians throughout the world. The week reaches its highest point with the Easter Triduum, from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. During this time we remember Christ’s entry into Jerusalem not as a king but as a simple man on a donkey. Christ was applauded by the crowd as he rode into Jerusalem, the same crowd that would demand his crucifixion only a few days later. 

We are reminded of Christ’s commitment to non-violent change. Sometimes this will mean we are abandoned by those who would seek change using violence, those who would risk the lives of others to achieve their own selfish desires. We are reminded by the sacrifice made on our behalf by Jesus Christ to look at our own self-oriented and shallow ways. 

It is not enough to just follow Jesus Christ, we are called to follow in his footsteps, to be challenged, to risk rejection, to work for the dignity of all, be people of peace and justice in our world. To show the love and light of Jesus Christ in the world.

During Lent at St Anne’s College students and staff have been taking part in many activities to bring awareness of the need for all to have dignity, safety, peace and justice. On Friday last week, across the school, Sandhurst Switches Off challenges were set for staff and students to symbolise our solidarity with those who are suffering due to climate change.  Next week our students will finalise their Lenten Caritas fundraising and awareness activities. Grade 5 students have been busy organising activities for the School of Wonder students, our VCE/VM students will be running House coin line challenges and water bucket relays. The water bucket relay was chosen by our students to highlight the vulnerability and lack of sustainable water sources of some of the communities that Caritas supports. 

During Harmony Day celebrations funds raised through BBQ and Gelati sales will also be directed to Caritas. Our school leaders have organised an out of uniform day to raise awareness and support Caritas, together with our second-hand uniform sales and Zooper Dooper sales. 

Through our contributions big and small may we shine the light and love of Christ to all in the world.

May the light of Christ be with you and your families this Holy Week and may you find the love of Christ in your lives this Easter.

St Mel’s Parish Sacramental Program Confirmation & Eucharist 

St Mel’s Parish Sacramental Program for Confirmation and Eucharist third session was held at St Anne’s College Thursday evening. We ask for you to keep our candidates in your prayers as they prepare for Confirmation and their First Eucharist. Any questions about the program can be directed to St Mel’s Parish office, phone 5831 2194. 

The parish-based Reconciliation program will take place later in the year. 

Caritas Project compassion

Thank you for your generous support this Lent in our Caritas fundraising. Your financial support assists Caritas to provide communities in need with education, water, and life’s basic needs.

Our VCE/VM students will be running awareness and fundraising activities during Holy Week as will our Student Leaders and College Captains.  

The Community Action Team have been running a stall selling Zooper Doopers all Lent and have raised over $2,000 towards Caritas. 

Grade 5 students have been busy making items to sell and will also be running activities during Holy Week. 

Each pastoral group and grade has a Project Compassion box for coin and note donations. We are fortunate to have our amazing staff guide and work with our students as they plan and promote our Social Justice and Ecological Stewardship priorities at St Anne’s College. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and commitment through their class activities, extra-curricular activities, Community Action Team, student leadership and student voice groups just to name a few. 

If you would like to assist Caritas more they also welcomes online donations. Please see the details following. Please give generously for all future generations.

Stations of The Cross 

Wednesday March 27th 11.25 am. Family and friends welcome to attend. 

This year, due to the growth of our school, we will celebrate our Stations of The Cross as an outdoor liturgy starting 11.25am. 

 2023 St Anne’s College Stations of the Cross Student re-enactment