Religious Education & Parish News
First Holy Communion Parent Formation Session
This week, many of our families took the first step in preparing for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion by attending the Parent Formation Session. It was wonderful to see so many parents and carers making time to begin this important spiritual journey alongside their child.
We sincerely thank our families for their commitment and our school staff who attended to support the evening. Your partnership between home, school and parish plays an important role in helping our children grow in faith.
The Eucharist is at the heart of our Catholic faith. Through Holy Communion, we receive Jesus in a very special way and are invited into a deeper relationship with Him and with one another. As children prepare to receive the Eucharist for the first time, they are learning not only about the Mass but also about what it means to live as people of love, service and gratitude.
We keep all of our First Holy Communion candidates and their families in our prayers as they continue this special journey.
Year 6 Confirmation Preparation
Our Year 6 Confirmation candidates have now begun celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the parish as part of their preparation for Confirmation. This is an important opportunity for students to pause, reflect on their relationship with God and others, and experience God's love, mercy and forgiveness.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation helps prepare their hearts to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation. As they continue this faith journey, we encourage our students to approach the sacrament with openness, honesty and gratitude.
We extend our sincere thanks to our teachers for accompanying and supporting the students throughout this preparation, and to Father James, Father Denis and Father Jithin for generously welcoming and guiding our students through this important step in their sacramental journey.
Please continue to keep our Confirmation candidates and their families in your prayers as they prepare to receive this special sacrament.
A Moment of Prayer at Sacré-Cœur, Paris
One of the highlights of my recent travels was visiting the breathtaking Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris. Perched high above the city, the beauty of this sacred place is difficult to capture in words. More than its stunning architecture, it was the atmosphere of peace, prayer and hope that left a lasting impression.
It was a special surprise to be welcomed by a display honouring St Thérèse of Lisieux, the patron saint of one of our neighbouring Catholic schools. Seeing her witness to simple faith and complete trust in God in such an iconic place was a beautiful reminder that the saints continue to inspire us across generations and across the world.
One of the most moving experiences was seeing hundreds of candles flickering throughout the basilica. In the Catholic tradition, lighting a candle is a simple yet powerful symbol of prayer. Even after we leave, the flame continues to burn as a sign that our prayers remain before God. Many people light a candle for someone they love, to ask for God's guidance, to pray for healing, or to give thanks for blessings received. We also ask the saints to pray with us and for us—this is known as intercession. Just as we might ask a friend to pray for us, Catholics ask the saints, who are close to God, to join us in prayer.
Standing among people from every corner of the world, each carrying their own hopes, worries and prayers, was a beautiful reminder that churches remain places of welcome, reflection and encounter with God. In the busyness of modern life, these sacred spaces continue to invite us to pause, pray and remember that we are never alone.
This Term's Community Masses
Date | Community Leading | Guest Community | Special Day |
| 15th July | No School Mass | ||
| 22nd July | Jericho Year 4 | Damascus Year 2 | Mary Magdalene |
| 29th July | Galilee Foundation | Ephesus Year 3 | Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus |
| 5th Aug | Bethlehem Year 6 | Bethany Year 5 | |
| 12th Aug | Bethany Year 5 | Jerusalem Year 1 | St Jane Frances de Chantal |
| 19th Aug | Ephesus Year 3 | Bethlehem Year 6 | St John Eudes |
| 26th Aug | Jerusalem Year 1 | Galilee Foundation | |
| 2nd Sept | Damascus Year 2 | Jerusalem Year 1 | |
| 9th Sept | No School Mass | ||
| 16th Sept | No School Mass | ||
St Thomas Parish Weekend Mass Schedule
Masses
† Saturday Vigil Mass: 6.00pm
† Sunday Masses: 9:00am, 10:45am & 5.00pm
For other Masses in the week and Reconciliation times...
If you have any wonderings about Religous Education at St Thomas you are always welcome to email or arrange a time to chat with me.
Sarah Chappell
Religous Education Leader
schappell@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au