Merciful God,

No one is a stranger to You and no one is ever far

from Your loving kindness.

In Your compassion watch over refugees and asylum seekers,

and bring them to a place of safety.

Open our hearts to understand the experience

of those who have left their homes for a safer place.

Help us always to show Your compassion and mercy.

We ask this through Your son Jesus Christ,

Who was also once a refugee seeking safety.

Amen

World Refugee Day

Today we celebrate World Refugee Day.

‘Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity.

They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave

their homes for various reasons,

who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more.’

Pope Francis

‘Even the Holy Family of Nazareth experienced initial rejection:

Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths,

and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Lk 2:7).

Jesus, Mary and Joseph knew what it meant to leave their own country and become migrants:

threatened by Herod’s lust for power, they were forced to take flight

and seek refuge in Egypt (cf. Mt 2:13-14).

But the maternal heart of Mary and the compassionate heart of Joseph,

the Protector of the Holy Family, never doubted that God would always be with them.

Through their intercession, may that same firm certainty

dwell in the heart of every migrant and refugee.’

Pope Francis

Sacred Heart of Jesus

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, please email me if you would like to receive simple instructions on how to dedicate your home to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Home Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Invocations to The Sacred Heart

Merciful Jesus, I consecrate myself today and always to Thy Most Sacred Hear
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus I implore, that I may ever love Thee more and more
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for me
Jesus, Meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, deliver the Holy Souls from Purgatory

Upcoming Dates

Friday, 21 June 2024: Confirmation at St Martha’s Church
Sunday, 23 June 2024: 3-6 Family Mass at 10am followed by morning tea, it would be wonderful if you could please bring a plate to share for morning tea
Monday, 24 June 2024: Confirmation Parents’ Workshop at 2pm in the St Martha’s Music Room, followed by a Rosary for all the students who will have just made their Confirmation and for all the St Martha’s Intentions

Parents' Workshop

Monday 24th June is our Parents' Workshop for the parents, grandparents, carers and godparents whose children are making their Confirmation tomorrow (Friday 21st June). If you are able to attend the Parents' Workshop on Monday at 2pm in the music room, could you please email me to confirm your attendance.

Families Rosary

The Families Rosary will be in the St Martha's music room from 2:35pm. Looking forward to praying the Rosary for all St Martha's intentions with all parents, grandparents, toddlers and preschoolers on Monday 24th June from 2:35pm. Feel free to come even if you've never prayed the Rosary before. Rosary beads and booklets will be provided, as well as art and craft activities for the toddlers and preschoolers.

Save the Dates

Mens Health Night: Tuesday 22nd October
Family Gingerbread House Making: Friday 29th November (this year Advent will begin on Sunday 1st December)

As always, please don’t hesitate to email me at elena.razzoli@syd.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions or requests, thank you.

Let’s continue to keep in our prayers our Year 6 students who are making their Confirmation tomorrow, many thanks.

Very much looking forward to celebrating our students’ Confirmation tomorrow night, and the 10am Mass this Sunday (as always, all families are invited to attend Mass and morning tea), and to have a Thanksgiving Confirmation Workshop this coming Monday (24 June) at 2pm for the Parents, Grandparents and Godparents (whose children are making their Confirmation tomorrow) and to praying the Rosary with all school Parents, Carers and Grandparents on Monday from 2:35pm in the St Martha’s Music Room.

God Bless,

Elena Razzoli

Family Educator

elena.razzoli@syd.catholic.edu.au

SCECS Vacation Care