Faith and Family Matters

Pope Leo XIV’s message for World Mission Day 2026

With the theme, “One in Christ, united in mission,” Pope Leo invites the Church to grow closer to Jesus and work together in sharing the Gospel. He reminds us that mission begins with a personal relationship with Christ and is strengthened when Christian communities are united, forgiving, and focused on the Gospel.

The Pope encourages Christians from different cultures, backgrounds, and vocations to work together, showing that diversity is a strength when we are united in faith. He emphasises that every baptised person has a role in mission and that its heart is love: sharing God’s love revealed through Jesus Christ.

Pope Leo XIV also thanks missionaries serving around the world and encourages all people to support them through prayer and generosity. Inspired by saints such as Francis of Assisi and Thérèse of Lisieux, he invites us all to help others encounter Christ and experience God’s saving love.

Socktober 2026 at Holy Family is an exciting way to bring our community together and make a real impact on a global issue. By participating, we not only help those in need but also foster a sense of empathy and social responsibility. It's a chance for us to engage in meaningful activities, learn about important causes, and see the difference our efforts can make.

Our Socktober Mission at Holy Family in 2026 is to make a difference:

Friday, 16 October is Mission Day at Holy Family, so... 

1.    We will wear colourful socks to school;

2.    We will donate money to Catholic Mission so that they can help the communities in Malawi;

3.    We will have the opportunity to learn about the lives of children and families in Malawi in Africa and discover how we can make a meaningful difference by standing in solidarity with communities working towards a brighter future; 

4.    We will have a “Knee Ups” Competition between our classmates.

Thank you in advance for your monetary donations to help make a difference!

HERE’S YAMIKANI AND HER STORY:

My father lost his arm during a crocodile attack, making it much harder for him to work and provide for us. Despite everything, he continues to do his best to support our family.

I travel 20 kilometres to attend school. Sometimes, I cannot go at all because I suffer from a disease hampering the left side of my body, which makes it painful and difficult to walk long distances. Even with these challenges, I love learning. I enjoy reading and playing soccer, and I dream of building a better future for my family.

BY SUPPORTING THIS YEAR'S PROJECT:

My siblings and I will have the opportunity to attend school locally. This means:

•    I will no longer have to travel 20 kilometres each day.

•    My health challenges will no longer prevent me from receiving an education.

•    My siblings will also have consistent access to learning.

October, the month of the Holy Rosary

I invite you to pray the Rosary as a family. Vatican II recognised the family unit as fundamental to the building of society and the Catholic Church. It describes the family as a small, domestic church. As parents, you are the first educatorsof your children. The family home is a privileged place in which to come to know and love God. Family prayer invites God into homes and hearts. It encourages the bonds of love, peace, trust and joy. Father Patrick Peyton insisted “The family that prays together stays together.”

Celebrating 800 Years of St Francis of Assisi

This year, the Church celebrates the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, whose life of faith, humility and love continues to inspire people around the world. Eight centuries after his passing, his message of peace, care for creation and service to the poor remains as relevant as ever.

St Francis teaches us to see God in all people and in the beauty of the world around us. As a school community, we are encouraged to follow his example by living simply, showing kindness to others, caring for our environment and being instruments of peace.

May the legacy of St Francis of Assisi inspire us to live the Gospel with joy, compassion and hope.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi - Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, 

grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Kind regards

Liana Stella

Religious Education Co-Ordinator

Register Now for Family Christmas Pudding Making - "Stir it Up Sunday" will be on again this year due to popular demand on Sunday 22 November after the "Welcome to Kindy 2027" Mass . Stirring starts at 11.30 am in the Mary Mackillop Hall. Cost $50 per family.

RSVP: judy3gill@gmail.com by 30/10.

Family Mass on Sunday 25 October. If your child is in Year 1 or 2 and wants to read or do the offertory, please email me asap! This will be a special inaugural outdoor Mass in the under croft so you can bring your pet for a blessing within the Mass to mark the 800th Anniversary of St Francis' death.

In Christ,

Anne Gray

Parent Engagement Coordinator

anne.gray1@dbb.catholic.edu.au 

Wednesdays and half day Thursday