Spiritual Connections
Dear Families,
I would like to introduce myself … my name is Tony McDonald and I am the new Catholic Identity Leader at Sacred Heart Primary School for 2024. I am also working in the area of Wellbeing. I have been a teacher at various Sandhurst and Melbourne Diocese schools throughout my career. For the past fourteen years I have been fortunate enough to teach in the Goulburn Valley at two schools. Over this time, I have worked as the Catholic Identity Leader in a number of schools, and after a short break, I am looking forward to taking on this role again at Sacred Heart. Please don’t hesitate to come and say hello or contact me for any questions or queries you might have.
Diocesan Theme for 2024
Each year, our diocese creates a theme, linked to scripture, that unites all schools. The theme for 2024 is ‘Behold! I make all things new.’ Revelations 21:5.
The theme for this year reminds us all of God’s promise of renewal. This scripture brings comfort and hope in a world often filled with chaos and uncertainty, resonating with God’s continual invitation to refresh our lives and spirits. ‘Behold, I make all things new’ acts as a safe beacon as we navigate the tapestry of life, facings trials and triumphs.
May we take comfort in the belief that, through God’s love, every obstacle becomes a stepping stone, leading to a renewed and strengthened connection with our loving Creator.
As a staff, we began our year praying this prayer together. As a family, you might like to pray it together at home as a special prayer of blessing for 2024.
Loving God,
We lift our hearts to You.
Behold, you make echoes in our hearts:
“I make all things new!”
Renew our lives, cleans our spirits, and guide us with Your love.
In Your loving transformation, may we find strength, hope, and everlasting joy.
Amen.
150 Year Celebrations – Sandhurst Diocese:
Celebrations will take place throughout the year to mark this significant milestone, including an exhibition of historical items to be displayed around the diocese in three regional centres.
The main two events will take place in Bendigo on Palm Sunday, 24 March and at the Mass of the Oils, 11am Tuesday 26 March.
On Palm Sunday, a pilgrimage will take place from St Kilian’s Church following 8.30am Mass to Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Mass of the Oils on Tuesday 26th March will be the official launch of the celebrations.
This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of Catholic Education Sandhurst.
Sacramental Program
A reminder was sent from the office regarding registration for the Sacramental Program for 2024. Our school and parish communities invite parents of any baptised child/ren from Year 3 and above to enrol and participate in the program. If you haven’t completed the registration form, and wish for your child/ren to participate in the program, could you please do so at your earliest convenience.
Wednesday Feb 21st: Program Starts / Parent Only Information session. 7:30pm Church.
Term Events/Dates
| Friday 9th February | Opening School Mass - 9:15am Parish Church |
| Tuesday 13th February | Shrove Tuesday - pancake making as a reflection upon our Christian Traditions Anniversary of the National Apology |
| Wednesday 14th February | Ash Wednesday Mass - 9:15am Parish Church Beginning of the Liturgical Season of Lent |
| Friday 16th February | Project Compassion Launch at Assembly |
| Sunday 18th February | First Sunday of Lent |
| Wednesday 21st February | Sacramental (Parent Only) Information Session - 7:30pm Parish Church |
| Friday 23rd February | Parish Mass - 5/6 students in attendance 9:15am Parish Church |
| Sunday 25th February | Second Sunday of Lent |
| Friday 1st March | Parish Mass - 3/4 students in attendance 9:15am Parish Church |
| Sunday 3rd March | Third Sunday of Lent Parish Mass - School Led Liturgy |
| Sunday 10th March | Fourth Sunday of Lent |
| Friday 15th March | Parish Mass - F/1/2 students in attendance 9:15am Parish Church |
| Sunday 17th March | Fifth Sunday of Lent |
| Friday 22nd March | Caritas Fun Day - Free Dress |
| Sunday 24th March | Palm Sunday |
| Beginning 25th March | Holy Week Liturgies |
| Wednesday 27th March | First Reconciliation Liturgy 6pm Parish Church |
| Thursday 28th March | Holy Thursday |
| Friday 29th March | Good Friday |
| Sunday 31st March | Easter Sunday |
More information about specific events will be communicated closer to the dates.
Kind regards,
Tony McDonald.