Catholic Identity
Mercy Prayer
We pray for the Sisters of Mercy, who established our school and for the priests who have served at St. Mary’s.
It is through their vision, determination and strong faith that we enjoy the benefits of a Catholic Education here in Mooroopna.
We are proud to be a Mercy School, where the values of love and justice are taught and lived every day.
Bishop René Ramírez
Last week Mrs Vertriest and Mrs Dyke were privileged to be present at the installation of Bishop René Ramírez at Sacred Heart Cathedral alongside other St. Mary’s Parish Mooroopna parishioners.
It was also wonderful to see Mons Peter Jeffrey warmly welcoming the new Bishop as part of the ceremony, a special and meaningful moment for our diocesan community.
We keep Bishop René Ramírez in our prayers as he begins his ministry as the ninth Bishop of Sandhurst. May God bless him with wisdom, strength and joy as he leads our diocese in faith and hope.
A New Bishop for Sandhurst
Sandhurst Issue 127
"My story now becomes part of your story" Bishop René Ramirez RCJ
Bishop René Ramirez RCJ was installed as the ninth Bishop of Sandhurst at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo on 30 July 2026.
His first message to the people of the Diocese was one of gratitude, hope and an invitation to be led by the Holy Spirit. In his homily Bishop René Ramirez RCJ reflected on his story becoming part of the Sandhurst story that began more than 150 years ago.
"Today I bring my story into the story of this Diocese - a story that has been unfolding for more than 150 years, written through the faith of generations, the ministry of clergy and religious, the witness of families, and the quiet service of many whose names may be known only to God. I come with gratitude for what I have inherited and with respect for those who have carried the Church's mission through chnaging and sometimes difficult circumstances. Together, I hope we can build upon these foundations and become ever more deeply centred on Jesus Christ. I ask you to share in this vision; a Diocese led by the Holy Spirit, centred on Christ, committed to evangelisation and strengthened by prayerful and courageous leadership. Let us give this mission of zeal and mercy a chance to take deeper root among us."
Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation, 2026
Enrolment forms for our Sacramental Program of Reconciliation are available at the school office or please contact Ann-Margaret Carroll acarroll@smmooroopna.catholic.edu.au
To participate in the Sacramental Program, children need to be in at least Grade Three or above and be a baptised Catholic.
The Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation will be celebrated together this year in early Term 4. These important sacraments are offered to students in Grades 4–6. Parents may decide when they would like their child to receive these sacraments for the first time.
All year levels learn about the Sacraments as part of Religious Education lessons. Students in Grades 3–6 will also participate in special reflection days that focus on preparing for the upcoming Sacramental celebration.
Parent Information Nights will be held to provide parents and guardians with an opportunity to learn more about these important sacraments and to receive information about the celebration dates.
Grade 4 - 6: Sacrament of First Eucharist and Confirmation:
- Tuesday 11th August - Parent Information Night for Sacrament of First Eucharist and Confirmation parents at 7pm in Marian Centre.
- Sunday 16th August – Candidates presented at Sunday Mass
- Thursday 3rd September – Sacramental Lessons - Confirmation
- Thursday 17th September – Sacramental Lessons - Eucharist
- Friday 9th October - Sacramental Reflection Day for all Grade 4-6 students
- Sunday 11th October - Celebration of First Eucharist and Confirmation at Parish mass.
To Those Who Keep Us Moving - Along the Track article
The latest edition of Along the Track entitled “To Those Who Keep Us Moving” is attached below. From our earliest times, we have been people on a journey, travellers. Moses led the people out of Egypt, and they roamed the desert for years. Way back around 600 BC, the prophet Jeremiah said: This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).
Mass Dates 2026
TERM 3
21st August - Grade 3/4 Mass in the Church at 10am
28th August - Grade 5/6 Mass in the Church at 10am **Note the change of date
11th September - Whole School Mass for Mary in the Marian Centre 10am
TERM 4
9th October - Grade P/1/2 Unit Mass in the Church at 10am
30th October - Grade 5/6 Mass in the Church at 10am
13th November - Grade 3/4 Mass in the Church at 10am
4th December - End of Year Whole School Mass in the Marian Centre
Assembly Prayer Dates
TERM 3
3rd August - 3/4CH & JC
10th August - 6TB
17th August - 5TM
24th August - Prep GG & KC
7th September - Grade 1 AC & KM
14th September - 6MB
Kind regards,
Ann-Margaret Carroll