Spiritual Connections

Loving God,

We lift our hearts to You.

Behold, you make echoes in our hearts:

“I make all things new!”

Renew our lives, cleans our spirits, and guide us with Your love.

In Your loving transformation, may we find strength, hope, and everlasting joy.

Amen.

St Mary of the Cross Feast Day

St. Mary MacKillop is the patron saint of Australia. Her feast day is celebrated on August 8.

Mary was born in Victoria to Scottish immigrants. She was the eldest of eight children and spent her early years working to support her family. At the age of 24 she dedicated her life to God and took on the name “Mary of the Cross”.

Along with Fr Julian Tenison-Woods, Mary opened a school in a disused stable in Penola, South Australia. Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children. Many other women came to join her there, and Mary and Julian founded Australia’s first religious order: the Sisters of St Joseph.

Mary and the Sisters were committed to serving the poor – to going to where the need was and living amongst those in need. This took Mary all over Australia to many rural areas.

Mary faced fierce opposition throughout her life, which at one point culminated in her being excommunicated. In the face of trial, Mary was a model of forgiveness, insisting no ill be spoken of those who wronged her, while also remaining resolute in her convictions.

Mary was remarkable as a strong female leader in 19th century Australia. Education in this country is what it is today thanks to her dedication and determination.

Saint Mary Mackillop of the Cross is Australia’s first saint.

Grandparents Mass

What a wonderful celebration it was on the 26th July. We are told the church has never been so full! 

A huge thankyou to all parents, grandparents and special friends who were able to join us for the morning. It meant a great deal to everyone at Sacred Heart, especially the children. To those grandparents or special friends who were unable to attend, you were very much in our thoughts. 

Fr Uday led us in a beautiful mass, honouring the love and example shown to us by our grandparents and special friends. A big thankyou also to the Grade 3/4 children for helping to lead the liturgy – you did this with respect and reverence. After mass, the children enjoyed sharing their work and learning spaces with their invited guests as well. It really was a special morning for our school and parish community.

School-Led Liturgy:

Sunday 11th August, 10:30am.

This Sunday, Sacred Heart is rostered on to lead the liturgy for the parish. An invitation is extended to all families to join parishioners for Mass. In leading the liturgy, this is an opportunity for students and parents to lead parts of the Mass, such as the readings during the Liturgy of the Word, prayers of intercession or to bring forward the bread and wine as a family at offertory. The children enjoy having the opportunity to lead mass during whole school celebrations, and the school-led Sunday liturgy is an opportunity for children and families to become involved in parish liturgies.

Families attending Mass this Sunday, and would like to take part in leading the liturgy, could you please email me at school and I will contact you to organise.

Email: tmcdonald@shtatura.catholic.edu.au

Bloke's Breakfast & School Athletics Day

Our Bloke's Breakfast and Athletics Day will be held this year on Friday August 30th 2024. 

The Bloke's Breakfast will commence from 7:30am in the quadrangle. All Dads, Grandfathers and Father Figures are welcome to attend and have breakfast with the kids. Bacon and egg sandwiches and orange juice are on the menu. The cost will be $10 per family. Students attending by themselves on the day can still purchase breakfast at a cost of $5 for an egg & bacon sandwich. Cash payment to be made on the day. 

Please complete the survey in PAM for attendance, which will be available from 4pm today 7th August.

The Athletics is a whole school event from 9:05am to 3:00pm on the school oval.

Term 3 Events/Dates:

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

Kind regards,

Tony McDonald.