Spiritual Connections

Gospel Reading

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples:

“When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off.

If you do, you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.”

When you give to the poor, don’t blow a loud horn.

That’s what show-offs do in the meeting places

and on the street corners,

because they are always looking for praise.

I promise you they already have their reward.”

“When you give to the poor,

don’t let anyone know about it.

Then your gift will be given in secret.

Your Father knows what is done in secret,

and he will reward you.”

“When you pray, don’t be like those who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners.

They do this just to look good.

I promise you they have already had their reward.”

When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door.

Pray to your Father in private.

He knows what is done in private,

and he will reward you.”

“When you go without eating,

Don’t try to look gloomy as others do

When they go without eating.

I promise you they have already had their reward.”

“Instead, comb your hair and wash your face.

Then others won’t know that you are going without

eating.

But your Father sees what is done in private,

and he will reward you.”

Reflection:

Sacramental Program – 2025

At the beginning of last year, there was a change to the Sacramental Program. Instead of children receiving Reconciliation in Grade 3 and Confirmation/Eucharist in Grade 4, it was decided to incorporate all Sacraments into one year. This also aligned our program with the diocesan guidelines.

The majority of children taking part were in Grade 3. Feedback from families and community members was this was a special occasion for the children in their faith journey, and it was even more special to receive the sacraments with their friends and classmates. It was also felt that there was a lot of information in the program for the children at this age for the children to understand as a part of their formation.

This year there is going to be a hold on the Sacramental program – for this year only. The program will continue in 2026. This is to maintain the program to take place in one year (to align with diocesan guidelines) but to also allow for the children to be twelve months older to support their understanding and formation. Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist will all take place in one year. In the past, children received Confirmation and Eucharist in Grade 4 – this will be the same in 2026.

Information regarding the Sacrament Program will be sent out later in the year for families wishing to enrol their child/ren in 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Tony at school.

School-Led Liturgies

Change of Date:

Sunday, 16th March – 10:30am.

Once a term, as a school, we are rostered on to lead Sunday Parish Mass at 10:30am. There are many jobs to be covered during Mass, such as readings, or bringing up the gifts at offertory time. If families would like to help with these, could you please email me at school and I will arrange for this. Our involvement in weekend liturgies is a great way of connecting with our parish community.

Email: tmcdonald@shtatura.catholic.edu.au

Shrove Tuesday

Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday. Thank you for your kind donations of pancake mixes and contributions (gold coin donation) for Project Compassion. It was our first fundraising effort for Caritas.

The students enjoyed their pancakes and importantly learnt the significance of this day in the Lenten journey to Easter.

We will continue to hold events to raise money for Project Compassion. Each class has a Project Compassion box in their classroom.

The theme for Project Compassion this year is –

Help Changes Lives Today! Throughout Lent, we will be raising money to donate to Project Compassion. This will support families in need, and to build a future for generations to come.

Each classroom will have a Project Compassion Box where children can donate money. At our assembly on the 7th March, members of the Social Justice Leadership Team will launch our school’s fundraising effort for this year.

Some ways children/families could donate if they wish:

· Children might ask Mum or Dad if they have any spare coins around home or in the

car that can be placed in our Project Compassion box.

· Children might like to donate a part of their pocket money to project compassion.

· Children might offer to do some extra jobs around home to earn some money that can be donated.

Every little bit helps!!

We are going to sell Zooper Doopers on Thursdays during Lent to raise money for Project Compassion. Zooper Doopers will be on sale at the start second break for $1.00 each.

Ash Wednesday

As a school, we attended Mass in the church with the parish community. It was a special liturgy, led by Fr Uday – a beautiful way to start the liturgical season of Lent.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (the day after Shrove Tuesday). It lasts for forty days, not counting Sundays, and ends on Easter.

Term 1 Events/Dates:

More information about specific events will be communicated closer to the dates.

Kind regards,

Tony McDonald.