Catholic Identity

The Significance of Holy Week and Easter in the Catholic Faith

As we journey through Holy Week and prepare to celebrate Easter, it’s a special time in our Catholic tradition to reflect, remember, and rejoice.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, which marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed with palm branches and cheers. As the week continues, we recall the important events leading to Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Holy Thursday reminds us of the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a meal with his disciples and gave us the gift of the Eucharist. It’s also a time to reflect on Jesus’ example of service and love, shown as he washed the feet of his disciples.

Good Friday is a solemn day when we remember Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. It’s a powerful reminder of the great love Jesus has for us all.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Easter Sunday is the most joyful day in our Church year! It celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus – his rising from the dead – showing us that love, hope, and new life are stronger than death. It’s a time of celebration and renewal for all Catholics.

At St Patrick’s, we aim to help our students understand the deep meaning of this time through prayer, reflection, and celebration. We encourage families to take a moment to share the Easter story at home and talk about the values of love, sacrifice, and hope that it brings.

Wishing all our families a blessed and joyful Easter.

Catholic Identity Leaders Support Project Compassion During Lent

Throughout the season of Lent, our Catholic Identity Leaders have been busy leading fundraising efforts to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion—a key part of our school’s Lenten journey.

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten appeal that supports communities in need both here in Australia and around the world. The money raised helps provide essential support like food, clean water, education, and healthcare to people experiencing poverty. Caritas works directly with local communities to create long-term change and improve lives.

Our student leaders have shown great initiative and teamwork by organising a number of fundraising activities, including:

• Selling Zooper Doopers during lunchtimes
• Helping run Shrove Tuesday pancake sales
• Arranging aFree Dress Day for students and staff

We’re still finalising totals, but we’re proud to say that we’ve raised over $350 so far! This generous contribution from our school community will go a long way toward making a difference.

These efforts have been a meaningful way for us to live out one of the key Lenten promises — almsgiving — by giving to those in need. A huge thank you to our Catholic Identity Leaders and to all the families who supported these events. Your kindness and generosity are truly appreciated.

Sacraments:

The Kyabram Parish is calling for participants for the 2025 Sacraments Program. If your child is interested in receiving their sacraments this year, please email Katie Rasmussen at krasmussen@sptongala.catholic.edu.au to express your interest.

Sacrament dates:

Reconciliation – June

Eucharist & Confirmation – September

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Upcoming Liturgy:

St Patrick's Graduate Outcomes:

The following documents unpack and explain our school Graduate Outcomes:

Seven Catholic Social Teaching Principles

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

The CST principles which inspire our work are:

• Human Dignity
• Common Good
• Solidarity
• Subsidiarity
• Preferred Option for the Poor
• Care for Creation
• Participation

Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God.