Catholic Identity
Celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation
Two weeks ago, our school and parish community came together to celebrate a very special occasion—many of our students received the Sacraments of Initiation. It was a joyful day filled with faith, family and friendship, as the children were welcomed more deeply into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
This celebration was made even more memorable as it was among the final Sacramental Masses celebrated by Fr Joe, before his retirement at the end of September. We are deeply grateful for his faithful ministry and the way he has guided so many young people on their journey of faith.
We are especially grateful to Jess Doyle for her role in organising and guiding the children and their families throughout this year’s Sacramental program. Her calm and gentle approach has been a true blessing, and we thank her for the care and dedication she has shown to our students.
We congratulate our students on this wonderful milestone in their faith journey and thank their families, teachers and parish for supporting them. May they continue to grow in God’s love and live out the Gospel values of kindness, compassion and service in their everyday lives.
Sacramental Celebration Mass and Party
On Wednesday this week, our Year 3/4 students joined together with all our Sacramental students in a beautiful Celebration Mass. This special liturgy acknowledged and gave thanks for the Sacramental journey our students have undertaken, receiving Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
It was a joyful gathering of faith, with our school and parish community praying for the students as they continue to grow in God’s love. We are proud of the way they are living the Gospel values of kindness, compassion and service, and we look forward to seeing them carry these gifts into their everyday lives.
This Mass was made even more meaningful as it was one of the last times Fr Joe will celebrate with us before his retirement at the end of September. We give heartfelt thanks to Fr Joe for his faithful ministry, his guidance, and the way he has shared God’s love with our students and families throughout his time in Shepparton.
TERM 3 - SAVE THIS IMPORTANT DATE
For our amazing Parish Priest – Father Joe Taylor
Thursday, 4th September
Retirement Assembly for Father Joe
In term 3, the students and staff of St Brendan’s Primary School will gather to farewell our much-loved Father Joe, who will be retiring at the end of September.
To honour his years of dedicated service to our Parish and school community, we will be holding a Retirement Liturgy and Mini Concert in Term 3. This special assembly will be a chance for us to thank Father Joe for his guidance, his kindness, and his deep commitment to his ministry.
We warmly invite all parents, guardians, friends, and family to join us as we celebrate Father Joe’s incredible contribution and wish him well in the next chapter of his life journey.
We look forward to seeing you there as we say a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to Father Joe.
Date: Thursday, 4th September
Time: 10.30am till approx. 11am
Venue: Our School Hall
Youth Mass at St Brendan’s Church
This weekend, Saturday 30th August at 6pm, followed by pizza, drinks and games afterwards. All are welcome.
Come along and celebrate in the Eucharist. Fr Joe’s final Youth Mass at St Brendan’s Church.
Let’s make it special!
Kind regards,
Leanne Pellegrino (Catholic Identity Leader)