Family Educator

LENT

Lent is a time to have a deeper encounter with Jesus, one that transforms our hearts and minds. As we prepare to begin Lent next week with Ash Wednesday, it's worth reflecting on how this Lent will be meaningful for us. 

When we commit to fasting, prayer, and almsgiving during Lent, the journey to Easter can sometimes seem long. The good news though is that even if the journey seems long, it doesn't have to be lonely or difficult and we are not left to our own devices! 

Here are some opportunities that may help you grow closer to Jesus this Lent:

Charbel Raish LENTEN JOURNEY every Wednesday during LENT, 6.30pm.

Don't let Lent or this Year of Jubilee pass you by. Come on a Lenten journey guided by Charbel Raish, as we explore in a new way how Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection speak into our lives today.

I went along to Our Lady of the Rosary Kensington to hear Charbel on Wednesday. Charbel was outstanding as he led us through the stories of the Passion of Christ with great love.

This is a fabulous opportunity for Lenten prayer each Friday. I wish to encourage those who can, to come along for at least one session.  I will be there  to welcome you. Please be assured you will leave the night feeling spiritually nourished and at peace.

PARENT VISIT TO THE CATHEDRAL 

Have you ever taken the time to be a tourist in your own city of Sydney? During this Year of Jubilee we have organised a parent and grandparent excursion to the exquisite St Mary’s Cathedral for a tour of the beautiful Crypt followed by lunch on Thursday 3  April.

We will leave at 9am after drop-off and take the bus into the city. We will join a group of  other Catholic schools for an insightful tour of the beautiful architecture, stain glass windows and mosaic floor of this magnificent building.

Afterwards we will have lunch in a nearby Cafe in the Domain. We plan to be back for school pick-up.

LENTEN WOMEN'S RETREAT

In this year of Jubilee there are many blessing that we obtain for ourselves and our families as we make the time to for a spiritual pilgrimage. Join me on this day and enter into the peace. Email pollingerm@syd.catholic.edu.au to RSVP as spaces are limited.

The retreat day will unpack Jesus’ question and our response, exploring its impact and application on the three fundamental relationships in our life. The day will include all day Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions, keynote talks by the Dominican Sisters, breakout sessions, morning tea and lunch.

Cost: $50 per person (includes morning tea and lunch) A group discount is on offer - buy 4 tickets for $180

Date: Saturday 29 March 2025 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney 

Register: https://www.trybooking.com/CXLMB

Tickets closing 17th March 2025.

RELAX & MEDITATE

This is a lovely opportunity to join your child’s world for ‘Relax & Meditation’. If you can come along, you too can also learn a valuable tool of relaxation and meditation that will help your well-being. 

FRIDAY CLASS MASSES  

Please see below the Term 1 roster for  Friday Class Masses for Term 1:

KINDERGARTEN PARENT AFTERNOON TEA

We would love to invite you to an afternoon tea, giving you the chance to connect and get to know each other better. Afternoon tea will take place on Thursday, 27 March 2025, from 2:30pm to 3:00pm in the St Aidan’s Hall. Mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there. Everyone is welcome!

WEEKLY COFFEE AND CONNECT

This year we have started a new initiative. We invite parents and carers to join us for Coffee & Connect at Café Positano, 282 Maroubra Rd on Thursdays mornings from 8:30 am.

This is an opportunity to meet other parents, enjoy a coffee, and have a chat. There’s no need to commit to every week, just come along whenever you're free. No RSVP required!

Whether you stay for a quick cup or a longer catch-up, we’d love to see you.

Kind regards,

Mary Dillon Pollinger, 

Family Educator.