'No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends'.

John 15:9-17

Sunday's Gospel reminds us of how important our family and friends are and how we can bear fruit through building upon relationships with one another. Life is too short to bear grudges even though times may be challenging.

It is fitting that we read this Gospel at this time as we enter Family Week 10-15 May 2021. This year's theme is “Our Family, Our Story, Our Future”.

Our Diocese of Sale director, Maria Kirkwood shares her thoughts; 'As we are all aware, strong family relationships in all their diversities are vital to a child’s development. As educators we work in many ways to nourish and foster students to build strong and fulfilling relationships, knowing this will sustain them in the future. Family Week is a great opportunity for students, teachers and your school community to reflect on the vital role family plays in enriching and supporting personal growth, strengthening relationships within the school and beyond to the wider community'.

We lead by example and grow in community with one another to share our gifts and talents by continuing the mission of Jesus. This aligns with the theme of 'sense of community' contained in other sections of our newsletter.

Pope Francis' appeal continues to ring true when he is quoted to say: 'Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary enthusiasm!' Evangelii Gaudium 8 #80

Sacrament of Confirmation

Students, past and present are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. Due to COVID last year, we were unable to prepare and celebrate this very special Sacrament, therefore we extend an invitation to our past students to join us on this journey with the current Year 6 students.

Please note the following dates in your diary for the Confirmation Workshops:

Parent & Child Workshop Wednesday 19th May at 7:00pm OR Thursday 20th May at 5:00pm and 7:00pm Please take note of the change of times for these workshops.
Confirmation Retreat Day Wednesday 2nd June at St Agatha’s (8:00am - 2:45pm)

The following Confirmation Ceremony dates have been confirmed by the Bishop's Office:

Saturday 5th June at 2:00pm
Saturday 5th June at 6:00pm
Sunday 6th June at 10:45am
Sunday 6th June at 2:00pm

Please keep our Confirmation Candidates in your prayers.

If you have any questions regarding the Sacrament, please do not hesitate to contact me; mhinds@sttcbourne.catholic.edu.au or phone the school on 5996 7525.

Grow in gratitude and empathy.

Michelle Hinds

Inside St Therese's

'Do all that you do with Love,' Saint Therese of Lisieux

Issue 12 · 11 May 2021

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