Faith News

Christ Centred School & Parish Community

St. Augustine's School Prayer

Our Father in Heaven,

Look over and bless St. Augustine’s while we are working and playing.

Help us to respect and care for each other as you taught us to.

Give us the opportunity to do our best for you each day.

We look forward to being able to share our lives with our friends and families.

Keep us safe and give us the courage to be

people who want to know you more.

Amen.

Reflection for the Week

The Presentation of the Lord (or Candlemas) is a Christian feast celebrated on February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas, commemorating Jesus' presentation in the Temple and the purification of Mary.

It marks the encounter with Simeon and Anna, fulfilling the law of Moses regarding the redemption of the firstborn.

Key aspects of this feast include:

Biblical Foundation: The event is recorded in Luke 2:22-40, where Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill Mosaic law.

Significance: It highlights Jesus as the "Light to the Nations" and the Redeemer.

Simeon's Prophecy: The prophet Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, praising God and prophesying that a sword will pierce Mary's heart.

Traditions: Often called Candlemas, the day features the blessing of candles, which are carried in procession to represent Christ as the light of the world.

Consecrated Life: Due to the themes of offering and dedication, the Church often celebrates this day as World Day for Consecrated Life.

Significance of 40 Days: The date, 40 days after Christmas, aligns with the traditional period for a mother’s purification following the birth of a male child.

Sacramental Program 2026

We have begun planning and preparing for the celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation.

To assist us in this, we need to know the number of children who will be receiving each of the Sacraments this year.

Similar to last year, the Sacrament program will be combined across the three schools of St Augustine’s, Corpus Christi and Annunciation.

Students in Year 3, who have been baptised, can receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Students in Year 6 can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Any baptised students in years 4, 5 and 6 who have missed on these sacraments previously, either here or at another school, can receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion with the Year 3 students this year.

This is particularly important for any baptised Year 6 student who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year as they cannot be confirmed without having received Reconciliation and Holy Communion. As Confirmation is the final step in their full initiation into the Catholic Church.

Dates for the Sacramental Program:

First Reconciliation:

Reconciliation Workshop: Thursday 26th February, 6pm. Annunciation Primary School
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thursday 19th March, 6pm. Annunciation Church

First Holy Communion:

Holy Communion Workshop: Thursday 23rd April, 6pm. Corpus Christi Primary School
Sacrament of Holy Communion: (attend one of the following)
- Saturday 23nd May, 5pm. St Augustine’s Church
- Sunday 24th May, 8am. Annunciation Church
- Sunday 24th May, 9:30am. St Augustine’s Church
- Sunday 24th May, 11am. Corpus Christi Church
- Saturday 30th May, 5pm. St Augustine’s Church
- Sunday 31st May, 8am. Annunciation Church
- Sunday 31st May, 9:30am. St Augustine’s Church
- Sunday 31st May, 11am. Corpus Christi Church

Confirmation:

Confirmation Workshop: Thursday 16th July, 6pm. St Augustine’s School
Sacrament of Confirmation: Sunday 9th August. St Augustine’s Church

It is an expectation that all students and parents attend the workshops in preparation for the Sacraments.

You will have received an email for nForma during the week containing this information. Please indicate on the form provided in that email which Sacrament your child will be receiving. If your child in Year 4 or 5 has already received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion, please select “No”.

Please complete the form below by FRIDAY 13th FEBRUARY, 2026.

More detailed information will be given to you closer to the day of Sacraments.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Marissa Balbuziente Sacrament and Liturgy Coordinator

mbalbuziente@sayarraville.catholic.edu.au