Catholic Identity 

In this newsletter...

• Luce - Jubilee Mascot

• Month of Mary

• Pope Francis

• Sacramental Program 2025

• Pilgrim Image of Mary

• School Masses

• Community Masses 2025

Luce

Luce (Italian for "Light") - the official mascot of the Jubilee 2025 - has arrived at OLSC. Keep an eye out for her across the school. Throughout the year, she will visit each of the learning groups. Below is some information about the symbolism of Luce and her friends. 

Month of Mary

The Month of May is traditionally dedicated to Mary. Our Lady holds a special place for Catholics as the Mother of Jesus. Just as Jesus entrusted his mother to his beloved disciple and his beloved disciple to her, so too does He entrust Mary to us and entrust us to her.

In confidence, we can call on Mary to intercede for us with Her Son, Jesus. 

During this Month of Mary, families are invited to bring in an image of Mary that is special to their family, cultural or national background. These will be added to a display in the office foyer. If possible, please name the back of the image so we can return it to you at the end of the month. Images can be given to the office to be added to our display. 

Pope Francis - Requiscat in pace

Pope Francis’ ministry was marked by a deep commitment to compassion, justice, and reconciliation. He challenged the Church to listen, serve the marginalised, and care for creation. His leadership emphasised discernment, humility, and action, shaping a vision of a Church that is inclusive, patient, and responsive to contemporary needs. His legacy is one of courage, hope, and a relentless call to embody the compassion of Christ, especially among the forgotten and vulnerable. His death leaves a lasting imprint on the Church’s mission and global conscience.

Eternal rest, grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. 

Let perpetual light shine upon him. 

Through the mercy of God, 

may he rest in peace. Amen.

Prayer for the election of a new pope

O God, eternal shepherd,

who govern your flock with unfailing care,

grant in your boundless fatherly love

a pastor for your Church

who will please you by his holiness

and to us show watchful care.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sacramental Program 2025

First Eucharist

The children below have indicated that they would like to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist, or First Holy Communion. If your child’s name is not on the list below and you believe it should be, please contact me as soon as possible. To receive the Sacrament of Eucharist, children must be baptised Catholic or have been welcomed into the Catholic Church, and celebrated First Reconciliation.

Dates to remember for those celebrating First Eucharist:

Confirmation

The children below have indicated that they would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. If your child’s name is not on the list below and you believe it should be, please contact me as soon as possible. To receive the Sacrament of Eucharist, children must be baptised Catholic or have been welcomed into the Catholic Church, and celebrated First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

Dates to remember for those celebrating Confirmation:

Below is a copy of the letter that went home with students earlier this week with further information about Confirmation. 

Pilgrim Image

During this Jubilee Year, we will once again be offering the opportunity to take home our 'Pilgrim Image' of Mary for a weekend during Semester 1. 

During your chosen weekend you can place the image in a special place of honour in your home and use it as a focus for your family prayer.  There will also be a booklet inside that has some prayers you may like to pray together as a family. There will also be blank pages on which you are invited to create a special family prayer to Mary. Other families may choose to pray your prayer also when they host the image in their homes.

Using the School Interviews link below, choose a Friday/Weekend that best suits you.

John, or your child's teacher, will give the carry bag, with the image and prayer booklet, to your child in the afternoon on the Friday of your booking. You will then take it home for the weekend.

Please return the carry bag, image and booklet to John or your child's teacher the following Monday morning.

BOOK AT:

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/zzvgw

School Masses

Please find below all of the scheduled school Masses for 2025. These will begin at 9am this year, so we are hoping many more families can join us at this earlier time. All are welcome!

Community Masses in 2025

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 Community Mass Dates

Community Masses have begun and we have had wonderful attendance so far. Last month we celebrated the baptism of some of our students. Over the next few months, we will also be celebrating First Eucharist and Confirmation as part of our Community Masses. 

We encourage you to spread the word of our Community Masses and invite as many family, friends, neighbours and others to these celebrations. 

Follow and like the Wyndham Vale Catholic Community Facebook page to get updates and further information about Community Masses and other events. 

John Dini

jdini@olscwyn.catholic.edu.au 

Catholic Identity Leader