Religious Education Update

Dear Parents,

A warm welcome back to the new school year at St Aidan’s. I hope everyone had a restful break with family and friends. I look forward to continuing in the role of Religious Education Coordinator in 2025 and I warmly welcome all new families to our special community. 

A few important people to note:

Parish Priest - Father Allan Casquejo

Priest - Fr Anderson Gallego Rodas 

Family Educator - Mary Dillion Pollinger

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2025

St Aidan’s works closely with the Holy Family Parish to offer programs for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Students in Year 3 make their First Reconciliation and their First Holy Communion, and students in Year 6 make their Confirmation this year. All students will be prepared for the sacraments by their classroom teacher, however, they need to register with the parish by completing the google form found on the parish website linked here. Thank you to those families that have already completed their registration. 

If you are unsure whether or not your child will be making any of these sacraments, please do not hesitate to email myself via info@stamaroubra.catholic.edu.au or contact the parish via holyfamilymaroubra@outlook.com or 9349 1198.

Please find the following details for First Reconciliation this term:

• Commitment Mass - Saturday 15th February 5 pm or Sunday 16th February 9.30am

• First Reconciliation - Saturday 22nd March at 10 am

CLASS MASS

Below is the timetable for Term 1 class masses. We would love parents and carers to join us for Friday morning Mass.

OPENING SCHOOL AND LEADERSHIP MASS

We started our year with a wonderful Opening School and Leadership Mass in which we presented our Year 6 leaders for 2025. 

May the Year 6 students lead St Aidan's in 2025 following in the footsteps of Jesus and demonstrating the Brigidine Charism of Compassion, Respect, Justice, Forgiveness and Charity in their daily interactions.

FAMILY PARISH MASS

Each term, St Aidan’s comes together for Family Mass at the Holy Family Church with morning tea to follow. This term we will come together on Saturday 8th of March at 5pm All families and friends are welcome to come to this celebration. We would love you to stay afterwards for a slice of Pizza

SHROVE TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday will take place on tomorrow, Tuesday 4th March. This is a traditional feast day that is celebrated before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Pancakes are eaten on this day as they were seen as a special indulgence before the 40 days of fasting during Lent. 

All students at St Aidan’s will be given a pikelets for morning tea to celebrate this special day. If you do not wish for your child to have a pikelet, please email the school office. Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation that will be collected for Project Compassion.

ASH WEDNESDAY

This year Ash Wednesday is on the 5th of March. It is the first day of Lent and is the season leading to Easter. Students from Kinder to Year 6 will attend Mass at Holy Family Church at 9:10 am. We warmly invite you to join us for Ash Wednesday Mass.

AMAZING RELIGION WORK IN YEAR 1 

Year 1 has been learning about the story of Jesus and the Children. The students chose different materials to represent and reflect on the story. 

Here is some of the amazing work from our beautiful Year 1students. 

“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Mk 10:14-15

CHURCH JUBILEE YEAR

What does it all mean?

Every twenty-five years, the Catholic Church celebrates a sacred Jubilee to encourage special prayers and sacred pilgrimages. From Christmas Eve in 2024 to the Epiphany on January 6, 2026, Pope Francis invites us to be “Pilgrims of Hope.” Catholics are encouraged to embark on a holy journey, known as a pilgrimage, to Rome or other sacred sites closer to home. The holy doors of the four major basilicas are normally cemented shut, but during Jubilee Years they are opened! Pilgrims will enter these sacred buildings through the holy doors as a symbol of salvation through Jesus Christ, who once called himself “the gate” through which we are saved (Jn10:9). But you don’t have to go to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee! Pilgrims can gain a special grace called an indulgence either for themselves or the souls in purgatory by visiting the four major basilicas, but also through visits to other sacred sites designated by local bishops. Additionally, we can obtain an indulgence by practicing works of mercy, such as giving to the poor or visiting the sick, or by performing acts of penance like fasting from food, devices, or entertaining media. This 2025 Jubilee is a special opportunity to experience God’s love as “pilgrims of hope.”

FAMILY PARISH CONTACT DETAILS

Please find below the contact details for Family Parish 

The parish contact details are: holyfamilymaroubra@outlook.com and 9349 1198

I look forward to working with you all in 2025. 

Warm regards,

Jenna Smithson

Religious Education Coordinator and Year One Teacher