CELEBRATING OUR FAITH 

Chrism Mass in Armidale

Today, our Year 6 students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation attended the Chrism Mass at Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral, following an invitation from Bishop Michael Kennedy.

The Chrism Mass is a special Holy Week celebration where the bishop blesses the sacred oils used in Baptism, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick, and priests renew their commitment to serve God and His people.

This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience the wider Church community and deepen their understanding of Confirmation as they continue their preparation.

Big Water Walk 

– Final Reminder 💧

This Thursday, 2nd April, our students will take part in the Big Water Walk in support of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion – Unite Against Poverty. This is our final call for donations as we walk in solidarity with those around the world who must travel long distances each day to access clean, safe water.

Every step our students take on Thursday is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by so many, and an opportunity for us to make a difference through compassion and generosity.

Students are asked to come prepared by wearing plain clothes, a hat, and joggers, and to bring a water bottle on the day.

There is still time to contribute! Donations can be made via the QR code or by returning sponsorship forms with collected funds.

Thank you for supporting Project Compassion as we walk together in solidarity this Lent.

• Cash donation – return form with donations on Wednesday

• Online donation – Scan the QR code provided (tax deductible)

We have already raised over $2400 in online donations! Thank you so much for these valuable donations. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference in helping provide clean water and hope to communities in need.

Walking Through Holy Week as a Family

As we approach the end of term, we also enter the most sacred time in the Christian calendar — Holy Week.

Throughout this week, we remember the final days of Jesus’ life, His suffering, death, and the promise of new life to come. At school, students have been reflecting on these events in age-appropriate ways, exploring not just what happened, but why it matters for our lives today.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, where Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem with joy and celebration. However, as the week unfolds, the mood shifts.

In the days that follow, Jesus teaches, challenges others to live with truth and love, and prepares His disciples for what is to come. These moments remind us that following Jesus is not always easy, and often calls us to make good and courageous choices.

On Holy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper, where Jesus gives us the gift of the Eucharist and shows us what it means to serve others with humility and love.

Good Friday is a solemn day, where we reflect on Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. For Christians, this is the ultimate act of love: Jesus giving everything for others.

Then comes Holy Saturday, a quiet day of waiting. It reminds us that even in times of uncertainty or silence, God is still at work.

At school, we will intentionally paused the story here. When students return next term, we will continue the journey and celebrate the joy and hope of Easter together.

We will have a reflective Holy Week Liturgy 

in the school hall on Friday morning at 9:15am for all students.

We invite you, as families, to take a moment during the holidays to reflect on this story together. This could be as simple as:

• sharing a short prayer
• attending a Holy Week or Easter service
• talking about what love, sacrifice, and hope look like in your own lives

A Prayer for Families

Loving God,

As we journey through Holy Week,

help us to walk with Jesus in love and faith.

In moments of joy, help us to be grateful.

In moments of difficulty, help us to be strong.

And in times of waiting, help us to trust in You.

May our family grow in love, kindness, and hope.

Amen.

We wish all our families a safe and blessed holiday break, and we look forward to celebrating the joy of Easter together next term.

Triduum Mass Times

Holy Thursday

6:00pm Mass of the Lord's Supper

Good Friday

3:00pm Commemoration of the Lord's Passion

Holy Saturday

7:00pm Easter Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday

9:00am Easter Mass

Sacred Heart Mass Times

6:00pm Saturday evenings

9:00am Sunday mornings

Confirmation Date

Saturday 13 June 2026

For the Calendar

Term 2 2026

Friday 24 April

- 6B Primary Mass 9:30am at SHC

Friday 1 May

- 1W Prayer Celebration 9:30am at SHC

Friday 8 May

- Mother's Day Breakfast

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter and holiday,

Mary-Jane Guest

Religious Education Coordinator