Catholic Identity

At a glance..

• A Symphony of Stories 

• Reminder: Vision and Mission: Parent Survey 

• Year 5 Spotlight: Catholic Church in Australia 

• Reminder: Year 6 Confirmation: (Thursday 10 September and Tuesday 15 September, 7:00pm) 

• Reminder: First Reconciliation Parent Information and Prayer Evening (Wednesday 9 September 6:00pm) 

• Celebrating Father Patrick’s 35th Anniversary of Ordination

Our Catholic Identity and “A Symphony of Stories” 

Seeing and listening to the buzz in the air as we celebrate Book week today, I can’t help but make connections between a Symphony and the many books of the Bible. Many students are surprised to learn that the Bible is not a single book, it is in fact a library of over 70 books, all of different genres. Containing poetry, historical accounts, letters, and wisdom to help us hear God’s voice across every stage of life.

Jesus constantly used narrative to touch hearts and transform minds. Through parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, he used everyday imagery to teach timeless lessons grounded in justice, integrity, hope, and compassion. The skills that we develop when we read quality literature connects us to be people of Jesus Christ. Through reading and responding to texts we can; step into a character’s shoes to help us practise compassion and honour the dignity of the human person, spark curiosity and critical thinking to seek truth and inspire hope, reminding us that light courage and grace can overcome fear. 

When reading with your children at home this week, consider asking: 

• Where did you see kindness in this story? 

• How can we bring that same goodness into our world today?

Vision and Mission: Parent Survey

One of the main areas of focus this year is to reimagine our School’s Vision and Mission. This was first developed in 2017 and since then our school has undergone significant change. The aim of this process is to evaluate whether our Vision and Mission is Christ-centred, current and formative of all aspects of school life. 

A necessary part of this process is to gain feedback from our parent community. This feedback is facilitated by Gary Quinn through an online survey of 7 questions, taking no more than 5 minutes. 

I am grateful for the 30 families who have already taken the time to complete the survey and I ask that you take the time this week to complete the survey so that we can gain as much feedback as possible for this process.

Year 5 Spotlight 

This term, Year 5 students have been learning about the Catholic Church in Australia. They have been focusing on the key events and people that have shaped the identity and growth of the Catholic Church in Australia. One of the people they are exploring is Mary Mary Mackillop and the Josephite Emblem. In responding to their learning, they have created beautiful artworks that they would like to share. 

Reminder: Year 6 Confirmation: (Thursday 10 September and Tuesday 15 September, 7:00pm) 

A friendly reminder for families of Year 6 students intending to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation: please ensure your enrolment forms are submitted directly to the Parish Office or handed in during one of our Sunday Masses. Active participation in Mass is a vital component of spiritual preparation as we approach this sacred milestone, and we warmly encourage all candidates to join the community at either the 8:30am or 5:30pm on Sundays. It was lovely to see some of our families at Mass yesterday morning. 

A final step in the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a retreat day. This will be held at school during school time on Thursday September 10. Students will participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as gather together to celebrate the Eucharist at 12:00. Students will complete the day with a Pizza Lunch and more information will be communicated closer to the date. 

Reminder: First Reconciliation Parent Information and Prayer Evening (Wednesday 9 September 6:00pm) 

The planning between the school and parish is well underway for the Sacrament First Reconciliation. An essential and necessary part of this planning and preparation is the parent information and prayer evening. This evening, held in the church, is a special time for parents to receive necessary information, (including enrolment forms and booking information) about their child’s Sacrament and how they can support them on their journey.

The evening is scheduled for Wednesday September 9 at 6:00pm 

If your child has not been Baptised into the Catholic Faith and you wish for them to participate in the Sacraments (Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation), please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible to ensure that your child is able to participate with the rest of their grade. 

Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9.30am to 3pm 

Phone: 4284 3000

Celebrating Father Patrick’s 35th Anniversary of Ordination

Today marks a momentous milestone in the life of our parish as Father Patrick celebrates 35 years since his Ordination to the Priesthood.  With hearts full of praise and thanksgiving to God, our school and parish communities are invited to honour his dedicated leadership, spiritual guidance, and faithful service. We warmly encourage all families to join us for two special Masses of Thanksgiving to show our deep gratitude for his devotion to God’s people. 

St Columbkille’s, Corrimal: Saturday 29 August at 6:00pm (followed by a community supper) 

St Joseph’s, Bulli: Sunday 30 August at 8:30am (followed by morning tea) 

Mr Alexander Walker

Religious Education Coordinator