Religious Education Update

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION RETREAT DAY

In preparation for First Holy Communion, the students participated in a special retreat day to deepen their understanding of this sacred sacrament. Parents joined us in the morning for religious storytelling and interactive activities. The students then enjoyed craft projects, guided meditation, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and time in Adoration. The day concluded with a meaningful reenactment of the Last Supper, where we shared bread and grape juice together.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 

Congratulations to all the students who completed their First Holy Communion last Sunday. It was a special occasion for all. Thank you to Father Allan, Father Rafael, Miss Siapkas for helping to prepare the students.

Pope Francis said that 

“The Eucharist is such a great gift. 

It saves us, forgives us and makes us one with God”. 

MISSION DAY SUCCESS

What a wonderful day we had at our annual St Aidan’s Mission Day! There were exciting games, delicious foods, and bountiful trash and treasure.

Thank you to every St Aidan’s family who donated food, treats and trash and treasure! Every stall was successful and every child had a wonderful afternoon. At this point, we have raised over $2500! This is a huge amount for a little school and it will make a big difference to the lives of many Australians facing hardship. The money will be donated to the Charitable Works Fund and the Little Sisters of the Poor.

A special thank you to all the parents who helped with the preparation and running of the day. Without your assistance, Mission Day would not be possible.

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Students in Year Six are invited to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. The Bishop’s office has confirmed that this will take place in the Holy Family Church on October 31st at 6:00 pm. Students will complete the preparation for this sacrament in class with Mr Brett and the help of Father Allan and Father Rafael. 

Please take note of these important dates:

• Parent Information Night - Tuesdy the 10th of September at 6pm in the Hall
• Commitment Masses - Every weekend up until the Confirmation Ceremony following the information night. Families can choose which Mass time.

Students will be asked to be involved in each Mass. They may like to read, altar serve or take part in the offertory procession. 

Students and their families are required to attend all the dates listed above as they are a requirement of the sacramental program.

CLASS MASS 

You are warmly invited to to join us to weekly mass. Please find the date for your child’s class mass below. 

To allow all students the opportunity to read at mass, students will be allocated readings which will be sent home prior to their class mass for them to practice. 

ST AIDAN'S PRAYER BEAR

Our St Aidan's Prayer bear has been a hit! Thank you to the families that have already had the opporunity of taking Aidan the Prayer Bear home already. It is so wonderful to see our families engaging in prayer within their homes.

Last week Aidan the Prayer Bear was so lucky to join Year 1 in the whole school mass for the St Aidan Feast Day. Aidan the Prayer Bear will be sent home with a journal and a set of instructions and needs to be returned each week to pass on to a new family. We also ask you send an email the school office with a photo of you praying with the Prayer Bear and include in prayers enjoyed most. You may be included newsletter. 

REMINDERS WHEN TAKING THE BODY OF CHRIST

Just a gentle reminder from the Parish in relation to taking the Body of Christ during Mass. We have reminded students that when receiving Communion we approach the altar with reverence. When receiving the host, either place your hands in a cupped position or open your mouth, and consume it immediately. This should only be received by those who have been previously baptised in a Catholic Church and have received their First Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Please see linked document for further information LINK

RCIA

Please find attached the booklet for School-Parish Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It is a structured program that prepares candidates to be received into the Catholic Church and thereafter live as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Sydney Catholic Schools has a diverse and growing mixture of students and parents from non-Catholic religious backgrounds. There is also a significant number of students from Catholic families entering our primary and secondary schools who have yet to receive Baptism or other sacraments of initiation. Hence, the need for an adapted parish-school RCIA program to address these needs. If you would like your child to recieve the sacraments of intiation please contact the Holy Family parish office.

HOLY FAMILY PARISH CONTACT DETAILS

Please find below the contact details for Family Parish 

The parish contact details are: holyfamilymaroubra@outlook.com and 9349 1198

Jenna Smithson,

Religious Education Coordinator