Catholic Identity

Sacramental Masses with Bishop Rene 

(22nd and 23rd August) and 

Thankyou to Jess Doyle (Sacramental Co-ordinator)

We warmly congratulate the final group of St Brendan’s students who recently received the Sacraments of Initiation—Confirmation and First Eucharist. It was a joyful and faith-filled celebration, made especially significant by the presence of our newly installed Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop René Ramirez, who celebrated with our students, families and parish community.

May our students continue to grow in faith, strengthened by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Eucharist as they deepen their relationship with Jesus.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jess Doyle for her outstanding service as our Sacramental Coordinator over the past five years. Jess has supported our students and families with great gentleness, warmth and care. Her calm, friendly and highly organised approach has ensured that each child felt supported and well prepared for these important moments in their faith journey.

Thank you, Jess, from all the students, families and staff of St Brendan’s. We are deeply grateful for everything you have contributed to our Sacramental Program and wish you every blessing and success as you continue your studies to become a teacher.

Catholic Missions Socktober Mass with

Fr Jackson Saunders and 

Rev Brian Boyle and workshops 

(Friday, 28th August)

Last Friday, our students participated in a wonderful Catholic Mission and Socktober experience with Rachel Prince from Catholic Mission and Fr Jackson Saunders.

Rachel shared inspiring stories about the work of Catholic Mission and encouraged our students to consider how they can help create a more just and compassionate world. Our students were highly responsive and took an active interest in learning more about the work of Catholic Mission.

The students also enjoyed connecting and working with students from other schools across the Sandhurst Diocese. Together, they brainstormed ways to raise awareness and support Catholic Mission. A highlight was the fun soccer challenge using a ball made from recycled plastic bags and wrappers. This activity encouraged teamwork while helping students understand how children in other communities creatively use the resources available to them.

Fr Jackson shared his personal story, speaking about his experiences as a commentator and his vocation as a priest. He explained that an important part of his mission is to teach others about Christ, share the Gospel and support the life-giving work of Catholic Mission.

Goodbye and God Bless, Fr Ronald

Thank you, Fr Ronald, for your faithful service, spiritual guidance and pastoral care of our parish and school community. We are deeply grateful for the many ways you have shared God’s love with us through prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist and your warm presence among us.

As you return to your hometown of Manila, we wish you every blessing for the journey ahead. May God watch over you, guide you safely and fill your heart with peace, hope and joy as you begin this new chapter.

You will remain in our thoughts and prayers and will always be warmly remembered by the St Brendan’s community.

Farewell, Fr Ronald - We wish you well and Godspeed.

Youth Mass this coming Saturday night

Seasons of Creation

Year 6 Misneach Stalls - Friday, 11th September

Preparations are well underway, with our Year 6 Misneach Leaders busily creating items for students across the school to purchase and enjoy at our Season of Creation Stalls next Friday, 11 September.

A reminder that all students are asked to bring a GOLD COIN donation. Donations are to be handed to classroom teachers, and each student will receive a token to purchase an item from the stalls.

The money raised will be combined with the proceeds from our Footy Colours Day and donated to a local Shepparton cause that supports people in need with kindness, compassion and mercy. Through this initiative, we continue the example of our founding order, the Sisters of Mercy, by reaching out and making a positive difference in our local community.

God bless,

Leanne Pellegrino

Catholic Identity Leader