Religious Education News 

Dear St Mary’s community,

On the weekend the reading was about the dividing of the loaves and the fishes. A miracle, that such few gifts could be divided among so many people and for each to have their fill. God’s love is a gift given to us that multiplies and multiplies the more we share it, we can give others this gift and they in turn give this gift on. This gift of love we were reminded of at our Grandparents and Special Friends day, so many grandparents and friends came to celebrate with us sharing their thoughts on our beautiful school. Frequently, one could see the smiles growing on our friends' faces both younger and older.  It is a reminder of the power of love shared between generations. Congratulations to all the students who led, read, served and shared music at Mass on Friday.

East Timor Letter Writing Project 

Heather McGrath will be taking the letters soon with her on her journey to Timor Leste and we will likely hear from Heather in October of further work done in the schools. We received an overwhelming response from our students whose writing will help the high school students in Remexio to learn English reading and writing skills. In Term 4 we will have another opportunity to write letters so, if you particularly enjoy putting pen to paper I encourage you to get writing, write novels, write letters, write to-do instruction leaflets, get creative and prepare for further pen-pal work next term as we expand our letter writing to share our writing with the Primary school also!

St Mary’s Liturgy Team As the Liturgy Team continues to develop we are now able to welcome those Year 4 students who have made their First Eucharist to participate in the Liturgy Team. The liturgy team contributes to serving at the Mass as candle-bearers, cross-bearers, bell-ringers as well as helping to prepare for liturgies by lighting candles, offertory processions or leading prayers. 

There are many ways to participate in the Mass at St Mary’s School, not exclusive to Catholics! If your child is not Catholic but would like to participate in assisting for Masses/Liturgies they can volunteer to read at Mass, hand out Mass Prayer Cards, and/or help lead the singing in Choir.

The Parts of the Mass This Term students in Years 2, 3 & 4 are focusing on learning how to sing the Parts of the Mass. It is very exciting to see our students learn and develop their prayer life which can be shown through their art, and singing, as well as their written and spoken prayers in class. Well done to the students in Years 2 and 3 who sang and led the parts of the Mass on the microphone on Friday.

Pope Francis Intention for August 

In his prayer intention for the month of August, the Holy Father invites the faithful to join him in prayer “that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and the common good, taking care of those who have lost their jobs and giving priority to the poorest.”

Read the article linked here.

Watch the Pope’s video here: For political leaders – The Pope Video 8 – August 2024

IMPORTANT DATES

Wednesday 31st July - Confirmation Family Faith Night 6:00pm

Sunday 4th August - Senior School Mass 5:30pm

Thursday 15th August - Feast of the Assumption Whole School Mass 9.15am

Thursday 22nd August - Confirmation Retreat Day - Confirmation candidates 

Sunday 25th August - Confirmation Year 6 10.30am 

Friday 30th August - Father’s and Special Friends Mass 9.15am