Faith News
Emma Chapple
Faith News
Important Dates
Term One
Ash Wednesday School and Parish Mass
Wednesday, February 14th- St Brendan’s Church at 9:30 am
Mass leaders: Year Three & Four staff and students. All are welcome.
Beginning of the 2024 School Year Mass
Thursday, February 22nd- St Brendan’s Church at 11:30 am
Mass leaders: Year Five & Six staff and students. All are welcome.
Term Two
First Reconciliation Sacramental Liturgy
Thursday May 2nd at St Brendan’s Church at 2:00 pm
First Eucharist Sacramental Mass
Saturday, June 1st, at St Brendan’s Church at 6:00 pm
Term Three
Year Six Confirmation Sacramental Mass
Saturday, July 27th at St Brendan’s. Church at 6:00 pm
Hello Everyone
Welcome to the 2024 school year, and welcome especially to the new families who have joined our beautiful St Brendan’s Catholic School community. My name is Emma Chapple and I teach Performing Arts (Foundation to Year Six) and lead Religious Education here at St Brendan’s. I look forward to working with all of the St Brendan’s families in the Religious Dimension, and especially look forward to meeting our new St Brendan’s families soon. Please say hi if we cross paths, and do reach out if I can support you in any way with sacramental enquiries or faith matters. Wishing you all a fabulous Term One.
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation for Year Three students (and older students who seek this sacrament) will be the first sacrament to be celebrated through our school sacramental program at St Brendan’s. Enrolment forms and information will be posted on Operoo in the coming weeks. However, families students wishing to enrol, please save the following dates:
- First Reconciliation parent and student evening workshop-
Wednesday, March 13th. St Brendan’s Church at 5:30-6:30 pm
- First Reconciliation Parish Commitment Masses:
Saturday, March 16th at St Brendan’s Church at 6:00 pm.(Parish Mass)
Thursday, March 21st at St Brendan’s Church, 11:30 am (School Mass)
Saturday, April 20th at St Brendan’s Church at 6:00 pm. (Parish Mass)
- First Reconciliation Sacramental Liturgy
Thursday May 2nd at St Brendan’s Church at 2:00 pm
Social Justice Action Team (SJAT) News
All Year Five and six students have been warmly invited to apply for a position of leadership on the Social Justice Action Team (SJAT). Students have met with myself and their class teachers to discuss this role, and those who wish to apply can access the application form on their class Google Classroom. Applications close on Wednesday, February 14th. All applications must be forwarded to me via email. I look forward to working with the SJAT once the 2024 team has been finalised. Badges will be presented to the selected 2024 SJAT at the whole school assembly on Monday, February 19th.
Supporting the Caritas Project Compassion Lenten Appeal
As the season of Lent approaches, we are reminded of the Catholic Social Teaching Principal Preferential Option for Those in Need/The Poor. In the coming weeks, all students will learn about the Catholic Christian tradition of ‘almsgiving’ throughout the Lenten Season. Almsgiving aligns beautifully with the Caritas Project Compassion Lenten Appeal. As supporters of Caritas, we are also fortunate to access a wide range of Caritas school resources free of charge. While small cash donations are encouraged by students throughout Lent, families are encouraged to learn more about the work of Caritas and contribute whatever they can electronically. To support Caritas or for more information please visit the Caritas webpage here.
Catholic Baptism
For families considering The Sacrament of Catholic Baptism for their child/ren, please contact the Western Port Parish Centre on (03) 5979 4374. Should you make Baptism arrangements with the Parish, please inform me so that this special milestone for your child can be acknowledged within the school community. Please also forward a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate to the school so that this can be reflected in the school records.
Families who wish for their children to receive any sacrament or The Rite of Reception through the parish, have been requested by Fr Shymon to make timely arrangements, as adequate preparation is required. This is especially important when families wish to enroll in school sacramental preparation programs, such as First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. Please consider this advice in preparation for our school sacramental programs for 2024.
Christian Initiation for Adults: RCIA
Have you ever considered becoming a Catholic or continuing the Catholic sacramental journey which you commenced as a child or younger adult?
Adults who wish to begin or continue their faith journey through the reception of the Catholic sacraments are invited to contact the Western Port Parish Centre on (03) 5979 4374.
Catholic Care
For further information about the services offered by Catholic Care for those in need, please visit: https://www.ccam.org.au/
Western Port Parish News
Please follow this link to the Western Port Parish web page, and to find out more about parish happenings.
Access to Australian Catholics Online Magazine
Families, please remember that you have FREE access to the Australian Catholics online resource. To access this fabulous resource, please click here and use the following login details to gain access:
Email: parents@sbsomerville.catholic.edu.au
NEW Password: acparents
Yours in faith & harmony.
Emma Chapple
-Religious Education Leader
-Performing Arts Classroom Specialist Teacher