Religious Education
Important Sacramental Dates for 2026
Earlier in the year, we invited families to provide feedback about preferred days for these Sacraments. Many families indicated that weekend celebrations would allow them to fully participate in these important faith based milestones and celebrations. We thank all families for their input and for supporting our students as we guide them in their faith journey.
After meeting with Fr Ian and Carmel the Parish Secretary, we are pleased to share the key sacramental dates for 2026.
- Year 3 - Sacrament of Reconciliation - Term 2, Week 2, over multiple mornings from 27th April to 1st May
- Year 4 - Sacrament of First Eucharist - Wednesday 29th July at 6:30pm or Sunday 2nd August at 2:30pm.
- Year 6 - Sacrament of Confirmation - Sunday 11th October
St. Finbar's Christmas Appeal - 1 week to go!
We have one week to go!!
We are now in the final week of collecting items for our annual St. Finbar’s Christmas Appeal. This much-loved tradition is a special way for our community to finish the school year by supporting those who may not receive anything at Christmas.
Each class has received several family profiles, reminding us that there are many people in our wider community who may be facing a difficult Christmas. If you’re in a position to help, we warmly invite you to send donations to your child’s classroom or drop them at the school office.
Thank you for all the kindness you have already shown! Your generosity means the world to these people and we look forward to seeing our St. Finbar’s community gather these final contributions over the coming week.
Advent
Last week, we gathered for our first Liturgy to celebrate the beginning of Advent. We thank Miss Farrelly and 2F for their involvement and creativity. They shared the creative way they explored the theme of Hope by making a paper chain filled with their own hopes for others and the world, some of which were shared at our whole school liturgy.
Thank you also to Miss Gourley, Miss Ferrari and Year 3 for leading today’s Advent liturgy. It was beautiful to see how they explored the theme of Peace as they crafted their own candles to mark this special season.
Advent has now begun, marking the start of a new Church year and a special time of waiting, preparing and hoping as we look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birth. Just like the doors on an Advent calendar that open day by day, Advent invites us to take small, meaningful steps in kindness, patience and gratitude as we lead into Christmas.
Gospel Reflection - Sunday 7th of December
Second Sunday of Advent
Gospel Reading
John the Baptist appears in Judea preaching a message of repentance.
❤️Family Connection
We do many things to get ourselves ready for our celebration of Christmas: purchase gifts, prepare Christmas cards, decorate our homes. John's call of repentance in preparation for Jesus reminds us that our repentance is another way in which we can prepare for the Lord's coming and our celebration of Christmas.
🗣️Family Discussion
After reading the Gospel together, talk about how John the Baptist reminds the people to prepare for Jesus by changing their hearts and actions.
What might “preparing the way” look like in your family?
Discuss simple, everyday ways you can show kindness, patience and forgiveness during Advent.
Invite each family member to share one thing they can do this week to “produce good fruit.”
📅Family Activity
Create your own family Advent calendar that represents your faith and the traits you want to show throughout this season. In addition to a chocolates or sweet, fill each day with a small action, prayer, or virtue. Decorate it together and place it somewhere central in your home as a daily reminder of the ways you are preparing your hearts for Jesus.
🙏Pray Together as a Family
Loving God,
As we journey through the second week of Advent, help us listen to John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way for Jesus. Open our hearts so we may grow in love, kindness and hope.
Guide our family to make choices that bring Your light into our world.
Amen.
May God bless,
Laura Zeeng
Deputy Principal & Relgious Education Leader (REL)