Spiritual Connections

Sacramental Program – 2025

At the beginning of last year, there was a change to the Sacramental Program. Instead of children receiving Reconciliation in Grade 3 and Confirmation/Eucharist in Grade 4, it was decided to incorporate all Sacraments into one year. This also aligned our program with the diocesan guidelines.

The majority of children taking part were in Grade 3. Feedback from families and community members was this was a special occasion for the children in their faith journey, and it was even more special to receive the sacraments with their friends and classmates. It was also felt that there was a lot of information in the program for the children at this age for the children to understand as a part of their formation.

This year there is going to be a hold on the Sacramental program – for this year only. The program will continue in 2026. This is to maintain the program to take place in one year (to align with diocesan guidelines) but to also allow for the children to be twelve months older to support their understanding and formation. Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist will all take place in one year. In the past, children received Confirmation and Eucharist in Grade 4 – this will be the same in 2026.

Information regarding the Sacrament Program will be sent out later in the year for families wishing to enrol their child/ren in 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Tony at school.

School-Led Liturgies

Once a term, as a school, we are rostered on to lead Sunday Parish Mass at 10:30am. There are many jobs to be covered during Mass, such as readings, or bringing up the gifts at offertory time. If families would like to help with these, could you please email me at school and I will arrange for this. Our involvement in weekend liturgies is a great way of connecting with our parish community.

Email: tmcdonald@shtatura.catholic.edu.au

Shrove Tuesday

This year Shrove Tuesday is on the 4th of March. We will be cooking pancakes for the students at school during the day. Any parents who are able to help with the cooking of pancakes, could you please let the office know. Parent helpers will need to have a current Working with Children Check and have completed the induction module.

The Induction Module is available on the school website for parents to complete.

If families are able to donate a pancake shaker this would be greatly appreciated.

Any children with dietary requirements will be catered for separately.

Ash Wednesday

The liturgical season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday – 5th March. As a school, we will be attending Mass at 9:15am in the church. Parents are welcome to join us for this Liturgy.

Lent is the time of year when Catholics prepare for Easter. Lent begins in February or March, depending on the date of Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (the day after Shrove Tuesday). It lasts for forty days, not counting Sundays, and ends on Easter.

As a part of our Catholic tradition, during Lent, we fundraise to support the important work of Caritas Australia and Project Compassion.

As a part of our Catholic tradition, during Lent, we fundraise to support the important work of Caritas Australia and Project Compassion. 

The theme for Project Compassion this year is –  

Help Changes Lives Today! Throughout Lent, we will be raising money to donate to Project Compassion. This will support families in need, and to build a future for generations to come.  

Each classroom will have a Project Compassion Box where children can donate money. At our assembly on the 7th March, members of the Social Justice Leadership Team will launch our school’s fundraising effort for this year.  

Some ways children/families could donate if they wish: 

• Children might ask Mum or Dad if they have any spare coins around home or in the car that can be placed in our Project Compassion box. 

• Children might like to donate a part of their pocket money to project compassion. 

• Children might offer to do some extra jobs around home to earn some money that can be donated. 

• Every little bit helps!! 

We are going to sell Zooper Doopers on Thursdays during Lent to raise money for Project Compassion. Zooper Doopers will be on sale at the start second break for $1.00 each.

Term 1 Events/Dates:

More information about specific events will be communicated closer to the dates.

Kind regards,

Tony McDonald.