Catholic Identity

2024/2025 Sacramental Program infomation & calendar:

Thank you to all our candidates and their families who participated in our Parish's Sacramental Enrolment Masses last weekend. It was truly heartwarming to witness so many families come together in faith, sharing in the celebration of the Eucharist. Fr. Doroteo's insightful homily and the Sunday readings provided a meaningful start to this important journey. As we embark on this Sacramental journey together, may the Holy Spirit guide and bless each of our candidates, their families, and the wider parish community as we continue to grow in faith and commitment to our Catholic identity.

Our Adult Faith Development Evening is on Thursday, October 10th ~ in the St. Mel's Parish House Gathering Room.   

If you were unable to make our infomation night or enrolment Mass please see Mel Shiels at the Parish Office or Danae Napier at St. Mel's Primary School if you would like an information pack. 

"Go forth and set the world on fire"

St Ignatius of Loyola

Season of Creation ~ A Time for Reflection and Prayer

As we journey through the Season of Creation, our Prep students have been engaging in a special project to deepen their connection with God and creation. They have been creating beautiful prayer mandalas, a symbol of unity, balance, and the sacred circle of life, found in many religious traditions, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Through this creative practice, students reflect on the gifts of nature and offer prayers to God of gratitude and thanks for our natural world. Their mandalas remind us all to care for our common home and to nurture the spiritual connection we share with the environment. Mandala means 'circle', while engaging with this learning, students have also been learning about geometric patterns and symmetry, further enriching their understanding of creation through art.

Actions speak louder than words, let your words teach and your actions speak” 

Saint Anthony of  Padua 

Annual Footy Colours Coin Line & Come dressed in your favourite sport/sporting team Day! 

Thank you to all our students, families, and staff for making our Annual Footy Colours Coin Line and "Come Dressed in Your Favourite Sport/Sporting Team" Day such a success! Your participation helped us raise much-needed funds for Catholic Missions, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together for a day filled with joy and school spirit on the last day of term.

We raised close to $290 for Catholic Missions with the Richmond Football Club Supporters raising the most money on the day and having the longest coin line,  their theme song played over the PA to celebrate. Well done to all involved!

Open our HEARTS up to the world & be COMPASSIONATE! 

Pope Francis

R U OK? Day ~ Assembly Prayer 

Last week, our Upper students led a thoughtful and heartfelt prayer for R U OK? Day during assembly. With grace and compassion, they reminded us of the importance of checking in on one another and supporting others around us. The prayer focused on being present for our friends, showing kindness, and nurturing a sense of community where everyone feels seen and heard.

We are so proud of our students for leading this special moment of reflection, reminding us all of our shared responsibility to care for one another in the spirit of love and empathy. Their words truly embodied the values of our school community.

Life Relationships ~ Upper students & families 

Last Wednesday night, our Upper students, together with their parents and carers, participated in our Life Relationships evening at school. This program, developed within the Sandhurst Diocese, is a core part of personal development in all Victorian schools. It aligns with our Source of Life curriculum and is designed to promote open dialogue between students and their families.

The Life Relationships program takes a holistic approach to topics such as relationships, family, adolescence, puberty, and reproduction, all within the context of Catholic teaching. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for further discussions at home, allowing students and their families to explore these important topics together.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents, carers, and students who attended this meaningful session. A special mention goes to our Upper students, who demonstrated great maturity and respect throughout the learning process, and to our educators for creating a safe and open environment for these important conversations and learning prior to the evening to take place.

Social Justice ~ St. Vincent DePaul 

Thank you to everyone who has donated to our St. Vinnies Winter Appeal. Our donations are being delivered to St. Vincent De Paul today! 

We are looking forward to our CRAZY Hair Day next term which our Year 6 Social Justice Team has begun to organise to continue to raise much-needed funds for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Date ~ Term 4: Friday 25th October 

Upcoming ~ October ~ Month of the Rosary 

Each year, the month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, with the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary being celebrated on October 7th. The Rosary is a powerful and meditative prayer helping us to reflect on key moments in the life of Jesus.

Do you have a set of Rosary beads or prayer beads at home? Perhaps they hold a special story or tradition within your family?

In my own family, the Rosary has always been a meaningful part of our lives. I still remember the first set of Rosary beads I received from my Nan as a child. As a family, we would often gather to pray the Rosary, whether it was on long road trips or at Nan’s house during family visits. The act of praying together not only deepened our faith but also strengthened our bonds as a family.

The Rosary beads pictured here were a special gift from a dear friend who brought them for me from the Vatican in Rome. What makes them even more significant is that they have been blessed by the Pope himself. These beads, like many others around the world in many religions, are a symbol of faith, love, and tradition, passed down through generations and carrying with them the prayers and hopes of countless people.

This October, I invite you to rediscover the beauty of the Rosary, whether in a quiet moment of personal reflection or as a shared prayer with your family. Let us take this time to honour Mary, reflect on the life of Jesus, and strengthen our spiritual journey together.

Feel free to send in your stories and pictures of your Rosary beads or Prayer beads.

Have a wonderful holiday, enjoy the time with your families, fill your cups doing all the things that bring you the most joy,

Danae Napier

Deputy Principal / Religious Education Leader

Did you know ~