Catholic Identity

Installation Mass of Bishop Rene Ramirez  

Last Thursday, I had the privilege of attending the Installation Mass of Bishop René Ramirez alongside our Principal, Mr Joel Brian, and members of the Saboni family. We were especially proud to have Jake and Jeona Saboni representing St Brendan's Primary School during this joyful and significant celebration for our Diocese. 

The Installation Mass marked the beginning of Bishop René's ministry as Bishop of Sandhurst and brought together clergy, religious, school communities and parishioners from across the Diocese in a beautiful celebration of faith, unity and hope. 

It was also wonderful to catch up with our parish priests, Fr Ronald Masilang, Fr Jackson Saunders, Fr Joe Taylor and Fr Adi, who were delighted to see our St Brendan's community so well represented at this special occasion. Their warm welcome was a reminder of the strong partnership we share as a parish and school community. 

Jake and Jeona represented our school with great reverence and pride, witnessing an important moment in the life of our Diocese and experiencing the richness of our Catholic faith. 

We warmly congratulate Bishop René and assure him of our prayers as he begins his ministry of leadership, service and hope. We also look forward to welcoming Bishop René to St Brendan's in the coming weeks as he celebrates our Sacramental Masses on Saturday 22 August at the 6.00 pm Mass and Sunday 23 August at the 11.00 am Mass. We know our parish and school community will extend a warm St Brendan's welcome as we celebrate this special milestone together. 

Staff Spirituality Day- A time for Discernment 

Yesterday, staff from St Brendan's Primary School, St Luke's Primary School and Notre Dame College gathered for a beautiful day of prayer, reflection and formation as part of our annual Spirituality Day. 

Throughout the day we were invited into moments of discernment, listening deeply to one another and to where God is calling us in our lives and ministry. We were privileged to hear the lived experience and faith journey of Bishop Tim Norton, Bishop of Broome, whose wisdom, humility and heartfelt stories challenged us to continue walking with courage, hope and compassion. 

I was deeply humbled to have the opportunity to present to a hall full of educators, sharing "Walking in the Spirit of Mercy – 180 Years of Mercy in Australia." It was a privilege to reflect on the enduring legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, whose faith, courage and vision continue to shape our school communities today. 

One of the greatest gifts of a spirituality day is as staff teaching and working in Catholic Education, we all carry away something different from days like this, a new insight, a renewed sense of purpose, a moment of peace, or a gentle reminder of God's presence in our daily lives. For me, it was a powerful reminder that the Mercy story is not simply part of our history; it continues through each one of us as we seek to bring Christ's love, compassion and hope to every child and family entrusted to our care. 

We thank God for the opportunity to pause, reflect and grow together in faith, so that we may continue to serve our St Brendan's community with renewed hearts and joyful spirits. 

Keeping Our Sacramental Candidates in Our Prayers 

As we journey towards our Sacramental Celebrations on the weekend of 22–23 August, we invite our St Brendan's community to continue keeping our Sacramental candidates and their families in your prayers. 

Over the coming weeks, our students will continue preparing their hearts for this special milestone in their faith journey. Through prayer, reflection and learning, they are growing in their understanding of God's love and the gift of the Sacraments. 

We also look forward to warmly welcoming Bishop René Ramirez to St Brendan's as he celebrates these special occasions with our parish community at the 6.00 pm Vigil Mass on Saturday 22 August and the 11.00 am Mass on Sunday 23 August. 

May we, as a faith community, surround our students with our love, encouragement and prayers as they prepare to receive God's grace through the Sacraments. 

"Let the little children come to me... for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14 

God bless,

Leanne Pellegrino

Catholic Identity Leader