Principal's Message
A Prayer for Our First Communicants
Loving God,
Bless these children as they receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
May they always know Your love,feel the presence of Christ in their hearts,
and grow in faith, hope, and joy
as part of our Catholic family.
Surround them with your grace,
and guide them each day to live as followers of Jesus.
Amen.
Celebrating First Eucharist – A Community of Faith United in Joy
Last weekend, we came together as a faith community to joyfully celebrate with the parish and school children who received the Eucharist for the very first time. This sacred and significant occasion marks the culmination of a rich journey of preparation, reflection, and spiritual growth—one that has been shared by families, catechists, teachers, parish leaders, and the wider community of faith.
Over recent weeks, the children and their families have been engaged in a process that has helped them come to know Jesus more deeply and understand the beauty and meaning of the Eucharist. A highlight of their preparation was a special family formation evening led by Ange Virgona, which created a meaningful space for parents and children to come together, ask questions, and explore the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Catholic faith.
A Special Eucharist Reflection Day
Last Thursday, the children participated in a Eucharist Reflection Day—a dedicated time for prayer, learning, and celebration. This included a variety of interactive, hands-on activities designed to deepen their understanding and appreciation of this sacrament.
Throughout the day, the children explored the rich symbolism of our faith through beautiful creative projects, including:
- Eucharist Symbol Frames: Crafting personalized photo and reflection frames decorated with sacred symbols.
- Chalice Stained-Glass Windows: Creating vibrant, translucent art pieces that captured the light and beauty of the chalice.
The day also provided a profound spiritual moment as the children were given the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, experiencing God’s grace and forgiveness as they prepared their hearts.
To conclude this special day, the children spent time inside the church to practice and prepare for the event. Walking through the steps of the Mass helped ease any nerves, transforming anticipation into a deep sense of reverence, joy, and belonging. It was a day that helped the children not only grasp the significance of the Eucharist but feel personally invited into the mystery it holds.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported and accompanied these children on their journey - especially all our parents and grandparents, Fr Joe for his spiritual leadership, our Religious Education Leader Ange Walsh, the dedicated Year 3/4 teachers Rose Restaino, Han Nguyen, Joachim Min Fa, and Sarah DeGuzman-Wettenhall, and Angela Ho, our devoted Parish Catechist.
Your guidance, faith, and care have helped plant seeds of faith that will continue to grow in the years ahead, making this experience truly meaningful and memorable for all involved.
Regards
Brian Martin
Principal