Dear St Francis Xavier Families,

The Papal Conclave began yesterday and for Catholics around the world this is a time of waiting, hope and prayer.  Some of the children, across a variety of classes, have been asking questions about the conclave and what is involved in choosing a successor to Pope Francis. Here is an example of the sort of information we've been sharing.

What is a Papal Conclave and How Does it Work?

A papal conclave is a special meeting where Catholic cardinals choose a new pope. When the current pope dies or retires, the cardinals (important church leaders) gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Rome. They are locked in the chapel and cannot leave until they select a new pope through a vote of which the successor must receive a two thirds majority.  If one of the cardinals gets enough votes, he becomes the new pope. After each vote, black smoke comes out of a chimney if no one has been chosen. When a new pope is selected, white smoke appears.

Last week during Italian some of our Year 3 - 6s created prayers about Pope Francis. I have added three of them to slides and they appear below.

Mass Dates Term 2

Well done to the Year 1/2 students who helped with mass yesterday and thank you to the family members who were able to attend.

Our class masses take place at St Francis Xavier Church and begin at 9:15am. 

This term's mass dates are:

Tuesday 27th May  

Year 5/6

Thursday 26th June  

Year 3/4

Tuesday 1st July 

Prep + Year 5/6 - School Choir members will also attend this mass and sing the entrance hymn.

Happy Mothers' Day

It was wonderful to see so many of the ladies who are important to our children join us yesterday for our Mothers' Day Celebration.  

I am very aware that, for a variety of reasons, some of our mums were unable to attend. Please know that you were all in our thoughts and prayers.

Happy Mothers' Day to you all. 

I will be taking a few weeks of long service leave from next Thursday but will see you all again on the 11th June.

Warmest wishes and God's blessings,

Marion O'Brien

Education in Faith Leader