Education in Faith
Dear Parents and Carers,
Pope Leo XIV’s 2026 Lenten message focuses on true conversion, encouraging the faithful to transform their hearts through prayer, fasting, and charity. He asks for the grace to listen more, reduce hurtful speech, and build a "civilization of love" by focusing on the needs of the suffering.
Caritas Australia
Throughout the season of Lent, Caritas Australia leads Project Compassion, inviting us to put our faith into action. Through this important campaign, Caritas supports vulnerable communities both in Australia and around the world by improving access to education, clean water, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives empower individuals and families to build brighter futures and break the cycle of poverty with dignity and hope.
Thank you to the families who have already returned their Project Compassion money boxes , your generosity is truly appreciated. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of others.
Reconciliation retreat day.
All year 3 students are invited to participate in a Retreat Day on Thursday 19th March. This day is a special day of reflection and preparation for students who are about to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is designed to help children deepen their understanding of God’s love, forgiveness and mercy in a meaningful, age-appropriate way.
Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Thursday 19th March at 6.00pm at St Fidelis Church. This special celebration is an important step in the faith journey of our children as they prepare to receive God’s forgiveness and experience His love and mercy.
In the lead up to this sacrament, the children will be learning about the meaning of forgiveness, the importance of saying sorry, and the ways we can make better choices in our lives. Through prayer, reflection and discussion, they have been preparing their hearts to encounter God’s compassion and grace.
We ask that you keep our children in your prayers as they prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May this be a meaningful and faith-filled experience for them and their families as they continue to grow in their relationship with God.
Foundation buddy mass
Our Year 5/6 and Foundation Buddy Mass will take place on Sunday 15th March at 11.00am at St Fidelis Church. This special celebration brings together our Foundation students and their Year 5/6 buddies as they are welcomed into our school and parish community.
The Buddy Mass is a wonderful opportunity for our new Foundation families and our existing school families to gather in faith, celebrate together, and mark the beginning of the children’s journey at St Fidelis Primary School. During the Mass, the buddy partnership between the older and younger students is acknowledged, highlighting the important role our Year 5/6 students play in supporting and guiding the Foundation children throughout the year. We warmly invite all Foundation and Year 5/6 families to join us for this special celebration as we come together as a faith community.
St Patricks Mass
To mark this special occasion, our Year 6 leaders will represent our school at the annual
St Patrick’s Day Mass held at St Patrick's Cathedral on Friday the 20th March
This celebration brings together student leaders from Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne to pray together and honour the legacy of Saint Patrick.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our leaders to represent our school community and join with others in celebrating faith, leadership and service. We keep them in our prayers as they participate in this special celebration.
The children received permission notes today. Please take the time to read the information carefully, as it outlines the important details for the day, including times, location, and any requirements for students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Annette Gasbarro.
Important dates:
Sunday 15th March:
Foundation buddy mass @ 11.00am St Fidelis Church
Thursday 19th March:
Reconciliation retreat day @ St Fidelis Primary School
Sacrament of Reconciliation celebration @ 6.00pm St Fidelis Church
St Patricks mass
Friday 20th March at St Patrick's cathedral year 6 leader.
Annette Gasbarro
Religious Education Leader