Catholic Identity

Sacrament of Confirmation

The Year 6 students, with the help of their teachers, are busy preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of initiation and is deepening of baptismal gifts received during the Sacrament of Baptism. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. The dates for the Sacrament are as follows. 

• Tuesday, 29 July Year 6 Confirmation Retreat Day (Students only)

• Wednesday, 30 July Year 6 Confirmation with the Bishop (7:00pm) 

• Thursday, 31 July Year 6 Confirmation with the Bishop (7:00pm) 

Special Mass - Sunday 27 July - Year 6 Students

To support the spiritual preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, Year 6 students are invited to a special Mass on Sunday 27 July 27 at 8:30am. The attendance at our last Year 6 Mass was overwhelming and we appreciate and thank families in advance for prioritising this time. 

If you would like your child to be involved in this Mass through reading or offertory, or for them to be involved in the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact me ASAP, so that it can be organised before the break. 

Please ensure that you have returned your enrolment form, made the payment and booked a timeslot for your child to receive this special Sacrament. Any questions can be directed to the Parish Office. 

To support your child in the preparation for this Sacrament you might like to break open what each of the gifts of the Holy Spirit mean and how they demonstrate them in their everyday lives. 

Religious Literacy Assessment  - 4 August

In week 3 of Term 2, all students in Year 4 across the Diocese of Wollongong will participate in the Religious Literacy Assessment (RLA). It focuses on religious literacy, knowledge and understanding of key concepts taught in the Religious Education program from Kindergarten to Year 4. Like all quality assessment, the results help us inform our teaching and celebrate the wonderful learning that is happening at St Joseph’s!

Students will complete the assessment on their iPads with their classroom teachers in week 3. If you require further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. 

Some examples of past questions are below.

• On what day in Holy Week did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet?
• What is the altar in the church used for at Mass?
• What symbol did God send to Noah to let him know that the flood was over and to confirm his special bond or covenant with his people?
• What does the Church prepare for during the Season of Advent?

Christmas Story Art Competition 

This year, all Stage 3 students will explore the Christmas story through Visual Arts. Building on recent lessons where students delved into the scriptural meaning and chose their art medium students are encouraged to practice their chosen medium and plan their artwork over the holidays.

Families are strongly encouraged to support students in developing their ideas and connecting personal stories to the deeper meaning of their artwork. 

A big thank you to Mrs. Brooks and the Stage 3 teachers for their incredible support!  Follow the LINK for more information. 

Year 6 Mass with the Bishop - Wednesday 6 August 2025

Each year, the Year 6 students and their teachers gather as a whole Diocese with our Bishop for the celebration of Mass. This is a special and exciting time and families are encouraged to embrace active participation of their children. You can support your child in their preparation for this significant event by listening to the following songs at home. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Wednesday 30 July at 7:00pm: Confirmation with Bishop Brian

• Thursday 31 July at 7:00pm: Confirmation with Bishop Brian 

• Sunday 17 August at 8:30am or 5:30pm: First Holy Communion

• Sunday 24 August at 8:30am or 5:30pm: First Holy Communion

Finally…

As this term draws to a close, I wish to extend my personal and sincere thanks to the families of St Joseph’s for their ongoing support of the Catholic Life and Culture of the school. Thank you for your participation in our many Masses and Liturgies, for your positive feedback and for your engagement in your child’s learning, particularly in Religious Education. Our goal is to ensure growth in faith, learning and wellbeing and this cannot be possible without the strong parent and community partnership. I wish you all a blessed break away from the routines of school and if you are travelling, ensure that you pray to St Christopher- the patron saint of travel. 

• Take care, and God bless! 

   

Mr Alexander Walker

Religious Education Coordinator