Deputy Principal / Religious Education 

Dear Parents and Families

FIRE Carriers Commissioning

Our student FIRE Carriers were officially commissioned into their roles yesterday as part of a commissioning ceremony held at school. Michael Chisholm and Troy Firebrace, Indigenous Leaders from CES Ltd led the ceremony and awarded our students their FIRE carrier badges and certificates.   Becoming a FIRE carrier is a tremendous privilege and we know our students will wear their badges with pride and will take their leadership role seriously.

Congratulations again to the following students for becoming FIRE carriers in 2024.

Congratulations Fr Joe ~ 50 years of Priesthood.  

Last weekend Fr Joe celebrated his 50th jubilee as a parish priest.   This is a magnificent achievement and we’re forever grateful for Fr Joe’s friendship, love, generosity and pastoral guidance to all in our school community.   Congratulations Fr Joe!!  

National Reconciliation Week May 27th - June 3rd  

Next week we celebrate National Reconciliation Week in recognition of all indigenous Australians.  National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.   Students will be learning about the importance of reconciliation and participating in various activities throughout the week. 

About the Theme:  ‘Now More Than Ever’

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.

Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us.

Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.

Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.  

Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.   

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates

 commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

(Reconciliation Australia)

Sacraments

Congratulations to our sacramental students who made their Sacrament of Reconciliation last weekend.   A number of our students will make the sacrament of reconciliation this Saturday morning.   We are grateful to all families who have helped prepare and guide their children over the past 5 weeks.   Students will commence Confirmation and Eucharist preparation next week.  An adult formation night focusing on the sacrament of Confirmation is being held next Tuesday in the Monsignor Jeffery center at 7pm.   We continue to pray for our sacramental students and families.   

Kind regards

Chris Summers

Deputy Principal ~ Catholic Identity & Wellbeing Leader

Laudato Si’ Week 2024

Beginning last week on Pentecost Sunday, 19th –26th May, was the global celebration where we remember Pope Francis urging us in his encyclical Laudato Si’ to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and to humbly place ourselves in communion with our common home. Significantly, Pope Francis promulgated Laudato si’ in 2015 on the Feast of Pentecost. As a Catholic Earthcare Parish we celebrate our part in the great progress the whole Church is making on its journey towards achieving the seven Laudato Si’ Goals set by Pope Francis.

The 7 Laudato Si' goals we can all try to achieve within our homes, communities and workplaces.

1.Response to the Cry of the Earth. 

2. Response to the Cry of the Poor. 

3. Ecological Economics. 

4. Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles. 

5. Ecological Education. 

6. Ecological Spirituality. 

7. Community Resilience and Empowerment.

St Brendan's Parish Bulletin 26.05.24