CELEBRATING OUR FAITH 

Welcome Back – Easter Blessings and Reflections

Welcome to Term 2! I hope your Easter break was a time of rest, renewal, and connection with loved ones. As we continue to journey through the Easter season, we are reminded of the hope and joy that the resurrection of Jesus brings to our lives and our world.

As a Catholic community, we also pause in this sacred season to honour the life and passing of Pope Francis. His leadership was marked by deep compassion, humility, and a tireless commitment to justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable. His message of love in action has left a lasting legacy that will continue to guide and inspire us.

We now turn prayerfully to the weeks ahead as the Church prepares to elect a new Pope. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals in their discernment and leadership.

May this term be filled with many blessings as we continue to grow together in faith, learning, and community.

Project Compassion and The Big Walk for Water

I’d like to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to all our students, families, and staff for your incredible support of Project Compassion 2025. This year, our school proudly participated in The BIG Water Walk - and thanks to your outstanding generosity and compassion, we raised an amazing $5,688 for Caritas Australia!

Your support is changing lives. One of those lives is Toefuata’iga from Samoa, whose story was featured in this year’s campaign. Because of the funds raised through Project Compassion, Toefuata’iga and her community now have access to clean and safe water, something that many of us take for granted.

Toefuata’iga has written a letter of thanks to students across Australia, sharing how access to water has transformed her daily life.

📩 Click here to read Toefuata’iga’s letter

This letter is a beautiful reminder of the real world impact of our Lenten journey and the difference your compassion has made.

I also share a heartfelt thank you from Leanne Langdon, Community Fundraising Manager at Caritas Australia, who writes:

"To the students, families, and staff of Holy Trinity School – Inverell, thank you so much for walking with us through Project Compassion 2025. Your generosity, your spirit, and your willingness to stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities around the world is deeply appreciated. Together, we are creating lasting change."

Once again, thank you for being part of this important mission. Together, we are helping build a more just and compassionate world.

The Sacrament of Confirmation 

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be on Sunday 22 June at the 9:00am Mass. 

A note went out last week to those students in Year 6 who will prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.

There will be parent information sessions tomorrow on Wednesday 7 May at 1:15pm and 6pm to discuss the finer details of the sacrament. A family member only needs to attend one meeting. If you have any questions prior to this, please let me know.

Welcome to Our New Bishop – Fr Peter Murphy

We joyfully welcome Fr Peter Murphy as the newly appointed Bishop of the Armidale Diocese. His appointment brings new hope and energy to our diocesan family. Known for his deep faith and humble leadership, Bishop-elect Peter will guide us with wisdom and care.

Consecration and Installation

Fr Peter Murphy will be episcopally ordained and installed as the 11th Bishop of Armidale on Thursday, May 8th at 6:30pm in our Cathedral of St Mary and St Joseph, Armidale.

We keep him in our prayers and give thanks for this exciting new chapter in the life of our Diocese.

The Ignite Conference

Every year, Ignite Youth hosts one of Australia’s most powerful Catholic youth conferences. Ignite Conference draws together a network of high schoolers, young adults, ministry leaders, families, teachers, priests and religious from around the country, sending them out with a passion for mission and authentic faith in Jesus. Students in Armidale Catholic Schools have the opportunity to attend Ignite as a diocesan group. 

You can find out more about this years conference by following the link below  https://igniteconference.com.au/sydney.

If you are interested please see your Religious Education Coordinator for registration details.

May - A month of devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus

🌹 Who is Mary? Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a central figure in the Catholic faith. When the angel Gabriel told her she would become the mother of God’s Son, she responded with faith: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary stayed faithful throughout Jesus’ life, and she is honoured for her trust in God and care for others.

🌼 The Month of May and Mary Traditionally, the month of May is dedicated to devotion to Mary, and it is an important part of Catholic identity. Many Popes have promoted this beautiful tradition, encouraging the faithful to pray the Rosary, place flowers before her statue, and reflect on her life. As our spiritual mother, Mary is an example of saying a committed “yes” to God. Her life reminds us to trust God, even when we don’t have all the answers.

🙏 Prayer to Mary, Mother of Jesus

Mary, our gentle Mother,

You said "yes" to God with love and trust.

Help us to listen to God's call in our own lives.

Guide us to live with kindness,

courage, and faith.

Pray for us and protect our school community.

Amen.

Happy Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, we honour the incredible role of mothers and all women who nurture, guide, and inspire us. In the Catholic tradition, we look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of maternal love and devotion.

Let us take a moment to give thanks through prayer and reflection, showing appreciation for the women who shape our faith and enrich our lives with their care and sacrifice.

To all mothers — thank you for your love, strength, and generosity. May God bless you this Mother’s Day with joy, peace, and the love of family.

School Mass Times

School Mass times are 9:30am at Sacred Heart Church. Please remember that hot beverages should not be brought into the church.

Sacred Heart  Church Weekend Mass Times

5:30pm Saturday evenings

9:00am Sunday mornings

For the Calendar

Term 2 2025

Friday 9 May

- Mother's Day Breakfast

Friday 16 May

- 1M Prayer Celebration 9:30am at SHC

Friday 23 May

- 6D Mass  9:30am at SHC

- Enrolment in the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 6D Mass

Friday 30 May

- 4WL Mass 9:30am at SHC

Friday 6 June

- 1W Prayer Celebration 9:30am at SHC

Friday 13 June

- Trinity Mass 9:15am at HTS Hall

Year 10 Leading

Friday 20 June

- Confirmation Retreat Day

Sunday 22 June

-  Sacrament of Confirmation 9:00am at SHC

Friday 27 June

- 5F Mass 9:30am at SHC

Friday 4 July

- Pupil Free Day

Term 3 2025

Sunday 31 August

- Sacrament of First Holy Communion

Have a great week, God Bless

Mary-Jane Guest

Religious Education Coordinator