Religious Education
Welcome back to Term 3.
This term across all year levels we are focusing on the Sacramental Church strand of the RE Curriculum as we support our students to understand the presence and grace of the Holy Spirit in the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. As a Catholic School, St Agatha's works together with our parish and families to nurture children's relationship with the Holy Spirit, encouraging young people to recognise God’s presence, participate actively in the sacramental life of the Church, and live out the Gospel through service, justice, and compassion.
For our Year 6 students, the Sacrament of Confirmation deepens their relationship with the Holy Spirit by strengthening the grace first received in Baptism. Through the sacrament of Confirmation, students receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit that helps them grow in faith, witness to Christ more confidently, and participate more fully in the mission of the Church.
Over the last two weeks, parents have been supported by the parish and school to continue to prepare their children to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation via information sessions run by Fr Elio Capra. It was wonderful to see so many parents and staff attend these sessions. It was a true indication of the committment to our Catholic Faith and faith formation of selves and students as teachers from across year levels attended these sessions. Teachers will now take this learning back to their teams as we plan for rich and engaging learning in Religious Education.
Confirmation Parent and Child Workshops:
Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 13 August at 7pm
Please attend one workshop with your child
Sacrament of Confirmation- Sunday 30 August at 2pm
Term 3 School Masses
Friday 31 July - Years 2, 3 and 4 at 9.30am
Friday 7 August - Feast of St Mary MacKillop- whole school 12.30pm
Friday 14 August - Feast of the Assumption- whole school 12.30pm
Friday 21 August - Years F, 1, 5 and 6 at 9.30am
St Mary MacKillop of the Cross was an extraordinary Australian woman who dedicated her life to helping the poor, especially children in rural and disadvantaged communities. Born in Melbourne on 15 January 1842, she became the first Australian saint of the Catholic Church. Along with Father Julian Tenison Woods, she founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866.
The Josephite sisters lived among the people they served and established schools, orphanages, and welfare services throughout Australia and New Zealand. Mary believed that every child, regardless of their background or wealth, deserved access to education, and particularly a Catholic Education. Despite facing many challenges, including a period of excommunication from the church, poverty, ill health, and opposition from some church leaders, she remained steadfast in her faith and commitment to her mission.
Mary was adamant that we should “Never see a need without doing something about it,” and this continues to inspire people today. Mary travelled extensively to support her congregation and ensure that those in remote areas received care and education. She died on 8 August 1909 in Sydney, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, courage, and service. In 2010, she was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI, recognising her holy life and dedication to God and others. Today, St Mary MacKillop remains a significant figure in Australian history and faith.