Religious Education
ARCHBISHOP'S VISIT TO OUR PARISH
Over the weekend, our parish was blessed to welcome Archbishop Peter Comensoli. His visit was a wonderful opportunity for him to spend time with our schools, parishioners, and leaders.
Speaking with students at St John Vianney's
Speaking with students at St John Vianney's
On Friday, the Archbishop visited St John Vianney’s Primary School, meeting students and staff, before sharing lunch with parishioners and later gathering with clergy, staff, and ministry leaders.
Saturday began with a Parish Forum at St Patrick’s School Hall, where parishioners from across our three churches could speak with him about our hopes and challenges. After a shared parish lunch, the Archbishop visited homebound parishioners, celebrated the Vigil Mass at St Patrick’s, and then joined our young people for dinner and conversation.
On Sunday, Archbishop Comensoli celebrated Mass at St Joseph’s Church and at Stella Maris Church, where he also shared morning tea with parishioners.
His presence across the weekend was a great blessing for our whole parish community, reminding us that we are part of the wider Church family.
At the Parish Forum held in our school hall, Archbishop Peter Comensoli asked two very important questions: “Where do we see Christ in our parish?” and “Where do we hope to see our parish in 10 years’ time—and what actions are we going to take to support this?”
Ben had the honour of serving with the Archbishop at the 6pm Mass
Ben had the honour of serving with the Archbishop at the 6pm Mass
These questions are also deeply meaningful for us as Catholic parents. Our role is not only to bring our children to church and school, but to help them recognise the presence of Christ in everyday parish life—in the Mass, in the kindness of others, in prayer, and in acts of service.
The Archbishop’s second question points us to the future. The parish that our children inherit in 10 years will be shaped by the faith and commitment we live out today. Our example—whether in attending Mass together, volunteering in parish life, or encouraging our children to take part in ministries—plants the seeds of faith for the next generation.
Most importantly, Archbishop Comensoli reminded us that hopes for the future must be matched with action. As parents, the everyday choices we make—praying at home, speaking about faith, showing forgiveness, and being present in parish life—are the most powerful ways we can form our children as disciples.
These questions are a gift for us all. They invite us to pause and reflect: Where do my children see Christ through me? What can I do now to help our parish family grow strong for their future?
ROSARY BEADS
Do you have a spare set of rosary beads tucked away at home?
Would you be willing to donate them?
We would love to give our students the opportunity to pray the Rosary together and to learn this beautiful devotion more deeply. Our aim is to have full sets of rosary beads in each classroom.
If you have any rosary beads you are no longer using and would like to donate, big or small, colourful or simple, please send them to school with your child.
Your generosity will help our children grow in faith and love of Mary. Thank you for supporting them on their prayer journey!
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader