Catholic Identity
Catholic Identity Leader: Mrs Elizabeth Holligan
Friday June 6, 2025
Reflection: Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost Sunday marks the last day of the Easter Season. At Pentecost, our real mission begins. With courage, we determine to live our baptismal calling! Let us witness to the wonders that the Spirit of God is doing in our world! We were baptised in the name of Father, Son and Spirit. Let us live our daily lives by calling on the Trinity: As we light this ‘fire’, in our own faith and those around us this Pentecost, we remember the tongues of fire that settled as a blessing of strength on each of the disciples at Pentecost. We pray that our own hearts will breathe in its warmth and be strengthened. As we foster that flame in those around us and we remember our baptismal promise reaffirmed during our Confirmation, to be the love of Christ in the world around us as we witness God’s teachings and love to all.
O God of clear light and running water, You send your Spirit to blow where it will. Open our hearts to receive the breath of the Spirit that we may breathe anew as your Spirit changes our lives. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This year Pentecost Sunday is on June 8. Some of our students, as members of the St Mel’s Parish, will also celebrate their Confirmation and First Eucharist on Pentecost Sunday. Please keep our children and their families in your prayers as they receive their First Eucharist and are Confirmed this weekend.
Catholic Identity - General Notices
Reconciliation Mass
Student FIRE Carriers from Years 7 and 8 represented St Anne’s College at the Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd Mass for Healing and Justice held during National Reconciliation Week at St Joseph’s Church in Benalla on Friday 30 May. The National Reconciliation Week 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together. Bridging Now to Next urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together. Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks. Our FIRE Carrier program at St Anne’s is one way our College is committed to Bridging Now to Next.
Sacramental Program
Please keep in your prayers our young people from St Mel’s Parish who will be making their First Eucharist and Confirmation on Sunday June 8. Mass will be at 11.30am celebrated by Bishop Shane MacKinlay and all are welcome to the Confirmation and First Eucharist Mass on Sunday. Information regarding the Term 3 and 4 Sacramental Program for Reconciliation will be available in future College newsletters and St Mel’s Parish Church notices.
Fundraising and Awareness - Term 2
During Term 2 we focus on raising awareness in our community about our First Nations people, their history and current challenges. Term 2 also coincides with National Reconciliation Week on May 25 to June 2, NAIDOC Week on July 6-13, review of our FIRE Carrier Covenant, and our Cultural Celebration Day activities. Stay tuned for an eventful term ahead at St Anne’s College.
God Bless. Mrs Elizabeth Holligan, Catholic Identity Leader