Catholic Identity
Commissioning Mass & Welcome Breakfast 2026
What a lovely way to start our school year! Thank you to our families who joined us for the Welcome BBQ Breakfast and then continued their presence at out Commissioning Mass.
Our Skilled Helpful Adults and Year Six Leaders were called to be witnesses and to commit to not just share knowledge about the Gospel but also "the riches of Catholic culture" and being in a "personal relationship with God."
The Commissioning Mass is a vital liturgical expression of our school's identity, it grounds the school's mission under a Eucharistic celebration, where Christ is truly present.
It elevates our entire academic year, fostering a shared experience of faith, invoking divine grace for educators, and aligning school life with Christ's Gospel.
Our Commissioning Mass, each year underscores that Catholic education is not merely academic but a holistic formation in faith, where liturgy "marks the rhythm" of school activities. Thank you to Mrs Newberry and Mr Furphy for supporting our Year Six leaders in making their committment and receiving the leadership light and badges.
Shrove Tuesday
Thank you to our Mini Vinnies committee for running our Shrove Tuesday fundraiser tomorrow. Shrove Tuesday is a joyful day in the Catholic Church that happens the day before Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins.
It's like a fun "last hurrah" before the serious time of prayer, fasting, and giving up treats during Lent.
The day is called Shrove Tuesday because long ago, people went to confession (called "shriving") to tell their sins to a priest and get ready for Lent ("Shrove" comes from an old English word for this confession). Everyone would say sorry to God and start fresh, just like spring cleaning your house.
But why pancakes?
During Lent, Catholics used to give up eggs, milk, butter, and meat to focus on Jesus.On Shrove Tuesday, families made pancakes to use up those yummy ingredients before they were off-limits. Think of it as getting your heart ready for Easter, when Jesus rises from the dead. Shrove Tuesday teaches us to say sorry, share joy, and prepare for Jesus.
Whole School Masses
As we move into the end of the year, we warmly invite families to join us in celebrating our final Mass with our young people.
Upcoming Masses:
18th February: Ash Wednesday
We encourage parents, carers and parishioners to join us for these special celebrations!
Parish Mass Times
Please join our Parish to celebrate the Eucharist. Our Parish offers daily masses at 9:00am and two Mass times every weekend.
Saturday - 6.00pm
Sunday - 9.00am
Catholic Principles & Values
Catholic principles and values (CPV's) are at the heart of everything we do in Armidale Catholic Schools. Our goal is to provide a truly Catholic education that invites students, parents, and staff into a deeper understanding of the human person and the dignity bestowed upon us because we are created in God’s image and likeness.
By grounding our schools in these principles, we strive to nurture compassionate, responsible, and faith-filled individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society. If you would like to know more about the CPV's and how we live them everyday at St Mary of the Angels, please do not hesitate to contact our Religious Education Coordinator; Zoe Nugent.