Loving God,

We thank You for the wonderful gift of our grandparents. Thank You for their love, wisdom, kindness, and the many ways they care for and guide our families. Bless them with good health, joy, peace, and strength each day. Help us to treasure the time we share with them, to listen to their stories, learn from their example, and show them the love and respect they deserve. We remember with gratitude those grandparents who are with us today, and we pray for those who have gone to be with You. May they rest in Your everlasting peace. May our families continue to grow in faith, hope, and love, following the example of Jesus. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Celebrating Grandparents Day

Each year, our Catholic school community joyfully celebrates Grandparents Day, giving us the opportunity to honour and thank the grandparents and special people in our lives for the love, wisdom and faith they share with our families.

This year, our Grandparents Day celebration will take place this Friday, 24 July, beginning with Mass at 9:15 am. During the Mass, we will give thanks for the important role grandparents play in nurturing, supporting and passing on the gift of faith to future generations.

Following Mass, grandparents are warmly invited to visit their grandchild's classroom to experience a glimpse of their learning and school life. The morning will conclude with a shared morning tea in the school hall, providing an opportunity for families, staff and grandparents to come together in fellowship.

We warmly invite all grandparents and special visitors to join us for this very special celebration as we acknowledge and honour the invaluable contributions they make to our families, our school, and our faith community.

First Holy Communion Reflections

Following their First Holy Communion, our Year 4 students reflected on what the Eucharist means to them. Their heartfelt words express the joy of receiving Jesus, growing closer to God, and strengthening their faith as they continue their journey as followers of Christ.

Lilly: “The Eucharist means connecting with God through prayer and asking for forgiveness.

”Vivienne: “The sacrament was special to me because it was a chance for me to talk to God and become closer to him.

”Liam: “The sacrament was special to me because I got to learn a lot about God.”

Patrick: “The Eucharist means to me that everyone is a part of God's family even when we make mistakes, God loves us.”

Oscar: “The sacrament was special to me because I can consume Christ's body and become more like him in life.”

Abby: “The sacrament was special to me because it can make me closer to God.”

Zara: “We were receiving the body of Christ and when we take the bread we get closer to God.”

Milana: “I felt holy and present in the moment and one with God and Jesus because I got to receive the body of Christ."

Sienna: “Jesus is present in your everyday life even if you can’t see him.”

Daniel: “The sacrament was special to me because I can be closer to God and follow his footsteps.”

Adam: “The Eucharist means I can take a gigantic step forward in my faith journey.”

Damien: “The Eucharist means I can reach a big milestone in my faith journey and feel better about others.”

Isabel: “It symbolises a new step in our faith journey.”

Elliot: “It’s an important part of my life and it's a big chapter in my book that's unforgettable.”

Ale: “The sacrament was special to me because it is a special time to pray and connect to God by the Word of the Lord and listening to the prayers of the faithful.”

Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation with Fr Brendan Reed

As many of you may have heard, Bishop René has been appointed as the new Bishop of Sandhurst. Due to his new responsibilities, he is unfortunately unable to preside over our Confirmation celebration.

We are sincerely grateful to Fr Brendan Reed, who has graciously agreed to preside over the Sacrament of Confirmation and confer the sacrament upon our Year 6 candidates. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr Brendan for his generous support of our parish and school community, and for guiding our children as they receive this important sacrament.

Confirmation Retreat Day

All Year 6 students are invited to participate in a special Retreat Day at St Fidelis on Monday 27th July. This retreat offers the children a valuable opportunity to step away from their regular classroom routine and reflect more deeply on their faith journey. Throughout the day, students will take part in a range of meaningful activities including prayer, reflection, discussion, and quiet time, all focused on developing a deeper understanding of the sacrament they are preparing to receive.

The retreat aims to support students in recognising the importance of the sacrament in their lives and encourages them to reflect on their relationship with God and with others. It will also provide opportunities for students to ask questions, share their thoughts, and grow in their understanding within a supportive and faith-filled environment. All Year 6 children can wear casual clothes on the day, and a hot lunch will be provided.

Faith Night

Wednesday 29th July at 7.00 pm St Fidelis Hall

We invite all Confirmation candidates and their families to attend our Faith Night, facilitated by Sarah Smith. Sarah is an Educational Consultant specialising in Catholic Identity and Strategic Leadership. She brings a contemporary, engaging approach to exploring the sacraments, helping families connect their faith to everyday life. Through warm, interactive, and meaningful conversations, Sarah creates opportunities for parents and children to deepen their understanding of the sacraments together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This evening will provide an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and preparation as the children continue their journey towards receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Father Brendan Reed visit

As part of the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, Fr Brendan Reed will visit the Year 6 Confirmation candidates on Wednesday 29th of July. During his visit, he will meet with the children, discuss the significance of the sacrament, and provide them with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the Confirmation celebration.

Confirmation Rehearsal at St Joseph's Church

As part of the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Year 6 Confirmation candidates will travel by tram to St Joseph's Church, Brunswick, on Friday 31st July.

During this visit, the students will participate in a rehearsal for their Confirmation celebration.

Students will depart from school at 10:30 am and return by approximately 1:30 pm.

Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation

Saturday 1st August at 12.00 pm at St Joseph's Church Brunswick

Our Year 6 children, together with the Year 6 students from St Joseph's School, will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. This special occasion marks an important milestone in their faith journey as they are strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit and continue to grow as active members of the Church community.

We look forward to gathering with our candidates and their families as they celebrate this significant step in their sacramental journey.

God bless and have a great week.

Annette Gasbarro | Religious Education Leader

After Hours School Care