Religious Education Update

Jenna Smithson | Religious Education Coordinator

FAMILY PARISH MASS

It was wonderful to see so many of our students and their families at Family Parish Mass last Saturday. A special thank you to the choir and Mrs Shaw for their outstanding contribution. Their music added such warmth and spirit to the celebration, and we are grateful for the time, care, and enthusiasm they bring to every Mass.

Thank you to all who attended, your presence made the celebration even more meaningful for our parish and school community.

SANDWICH MAKING FOR VINNIES

Last week, some of our parents, teachers, and our dedicated Pope Francis Award students came together in a wonderful act of service, preparing sandwiches for the Vinnies Van. It was a beautiful example of our school community living out the call to help those in need, with students working side‑by‑side with adults in generosity and compassion.

A heartfelt thank you to all our students for the funds raised through Dollar for a Dinner. Your contributions directly funded the food prepared, and your kindness made this outreach possible.

Thank you for helping us make a real difference in the lives of others.

CLASS MASS

We are excited to continue our Friday class Masses this term. Please find the date for your child’s class mass below.

Friday 28th of August	Year 1
Monday 31 of August - Feast of St Aidan's	Whole School Mass
Friday 11th of September	Year 4
Friday 18th of September	Year 6 and Kinder

To allow all students the opportunity to read at mass students will be allocated a reading which will be sent home prior to their class mass for them to practice.

MISSION DAY & FATHERS DAY

On September the 3rd, St Aidan's will hold their annual Mission Day Celebration. We will begin the day with a Father's Day BBQ starting at 7.45am. Followed by a tribute to 'DAD' sung by the choir. Fathers and carers will then be invited into our classrooms to join in planned activities with our students.

Mission Day is a long standing tradition at St Aidan’s. It consists of Year 6 running games and activities, selling items and delicious food that are donated to the school. Money raised will go to the Charitable Works Fund.

Mission Day would not be possible without your generous donations and the help of parent volunteers. We kindly ask families to donate the following items:

GRADE	ITEM TO DONATE	DELIVERY DATE
Kindy	Lollies (to be made by Year 6 into lolly bags) NUT FREE	Anytime from Monday 10th August
Year 1	Juice Poppers	Anytime from Monday 10th August
Year 2	Baked Goods - these donations can be purchased or homemade. They need to be in individual size servings, eg cupcakes, slices, chocolate crackles, brownies, etc. Please note that all food donations must be NUT FREE.	On the day Thursday 3rd September
Year 3	Single small packets of Popcorn	Anytime from Monday 10th August
Year 4	Single small packets of Chips
Year 5	Coloured Hair Spray, Temporary Tattoos & Nail Polish
Year 6	Any items they need for their individual stalls Prizes stalls/activities ie mini rubbers, bouncy balls, stickers (no lollies/sweets as prizes)
All student K-6	Please donate any unwanted or unused goods that are in good condition suitable for children ages 5-12 years old e.g. costume jewellery, children’s books, board games, pre-loved toys, bags, fancey dress etc Prizes for the chocolate wheel

Students on the day will bring in money to spend at the stalls to purchase goods, foods and play games. Any amount up to $20.00 per child is enough to enjoy the event.

Lolly bags, chips, popcorn and baked goods will sell for approximately $2.00 each
To participate in games and the chocolate wheel will cost approximately $1.00.
Goods donated will sell for between $1.00-$5.00.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Students in Year 3 and higher who have not received their First Holy Communion are welcome to complete this sacrament this year.

The Holy Family Parish has confirmed the date for Sunday 13th September at 9:30 am.

Please find important dates below:

Commitment Masses - Weekly at any of the Parish Masses on the weekend leading up to the First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion Retreat Day- 10th of September. Parents welcome to attend from 9:00 - 9:40 am

First Holy Communion Canditate Rehersal- Friday, 11 September at 4pm in the Church

First Holy Communion - Sunday 13th September @ 9:30am

Students are preparing for this sacrament at school with Miss Siapkas, Miss Smithson and Father Allan.

RCIA

Please find attached the booklet for School-Parish Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It is a structured program that prepares candidates to be received into the Catholic Church and thereafter live as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Sydney Catholic Schools has a diverse and growing mixture of students and parents from non-Catholic religious backgrounds. There is also a significant number of students from Catholic families entering our primary and secondary schools who have yet to receive Baptism or other sacraments of initiation. Hence, the need for an adapted parish-school RCIA program to address these needs.

FAMILY PARISH CONTACT DETAILS

Please find below the contact details for Family Parish.

The parish contact details are: holyfamilymaroubra@outlook.com and 9349 1198

Warm regards,

Jenna Smithson

Religious Education Coordinator and Year Five Teacher