Catholic Identity

Message from St Vincent de Paul

On behalf of the St Kilian’s St Vincent de Paul Conference I would like to thank your very generous community for their support of our Christmas appeal through your Angel Tree.

As you are aware, the number of families in need of assistance is constantly growing, and we have had a significant increase both in the number of families we are supporting, and in the complexity and extent of their needs. We are seeing people who have never asked for help before and would never have imagined they would have to seek assistance. The number of homeless single people and homeless families is of great concern.

You can imagine the emotional pain of parents unable to provide anything to their children for Christmas. Your generosity contributed to us being able to significantly help many families to feel the joy of Christmas and the gratitude of knowing people in their community care about them.

We are so grateful for your support.

If you know of anyone who is having a struggle, please tell them about St Vincent de Paul. We help in a wide variety of ways with discretion and upmost concern for privacy and dignity. We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to ask for help and we are there to listen without judgement and to assist to the best of our ability.

In appreciation for all you do,

Anne Kotsiakos,

President St Kilian’s Conference,

St Vincent de Paul Society

What is Lent?

Lent is a special time in the Church where we prepare our hearts for Easter. It is a season of reflection, prayer, and growth, where we are invited to pause, think about our choices, and try to become more like Jesus in the way we live, love, and treat others.

Traditionally, Lent focuses on three key practices: prayer, fasting, and giving to others. These help us to grow in faith, self-control, and kindness.

How Families Can Support at Home

Families play a powerful role in helping children understand and live out Lent in simple, meaningful ways. You might:

Spend a few quiet moments together in prayer
Encourage small acts of kindness at home or in the community
Talk about making good choices, even when it’s hard
Choose something small to give up or do differently (e.g. less screen time, more helping)
Support Project Compassion by discussing how we can help others in need

Lent is not about being perfect — it’s about trying our best, growing together, and keeping our hearts open to God and others.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten campaign, inviting us to live out our faith by supporting people in need, both in Australia and around the world. Each year, it shares real stories of individuals and communities who are working to overcome challenges such as poverty, lack of access to education, and limited healthcare.

Through Project Compassion, we are reminded that even small acts of generosity can make a big difference.

Funds raised go towards sustainable, long-term solutions — helping communities to become stronger, more independent, and full of hope.

As a school community, we are invited to take part through prayer, awareness, and giving, putting our faith into action and standing in solidarity with others.

Find out more about Project Compassion here: Project Compassion 2026 School Films on Vimeo

Gospel Reflection

1st Sunday of Lent

Summary

This passage tells the story of Jesus being tempted in the desert. After fasting for 40 days, Jesus is tempted by the devil three times — to turn stones into bread, to test God, and to choose power over faithfulness. Each time, Jesus chooses to trust God instead.

It reminds us that even when things are hard, confusing, or tempting, we can choose what is right.

Scripture – Matthew 4:1–11

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, where he fasted for forty days and nights. He became very hungry.

The tempter came and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from God.”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. God will protect you.”

Jesus replied, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”

Finally, the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and said, “I will give you all of this if you bow down to me.”

Jesus said, “Away from me! It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”

Then the devil left him, and angels came to care for Jesus.

Reflection

This is one of those powerful moments where we see that Jesus faced real challenges — just like we do.

He was tired, hungry, and alone… and that’s when the temptations came.

Isn’t that true for us too?

When we’re tired, we snap at people
When things are hard, we look for the easy way out
When we feel pressure, we might make choices we wouldn’t normally make

But Jesus shows us something important: 👉 We always have a choice.

He didn’t choose what was easiest. He chose what was right.

And he didn’t do it alone — he stayed connected to God.

Reflection Questions

When do I find it hardest to make good choices? (e.g. when I’m tired, frustrated, left out)
What are some “easy choices” I’m tempted to make that aren’t the best ones?
What helps me stay strong and make the right choice?
Who or what helps me stay connected to God?
What is one small choice I can make today that reflects who I want to be?

Prayer

Loving God,

You know that sometimes life feels hard. You know that we get tired, frustrated, and tempted to choose what is easy instead of what is right.

Help us to be like Jesus. Give us strength when we feel weak. Give us courage when we feel unsure. And remind us that we are never alone.

Help us to make choices that show love, kindness, and faith. Help us to trust You, even when things are difficult.

As we begin this Lenten journey, guide us to grow, to change, and to become the people You call us to be.

Amen.

Thank You – Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful community for your presence and participation in both our Shrove Tuesday gathering and Ash Wednesday liturgy.

It was great to see so many families and students come together to share pancakes and begin this important season as a community. A special thank you to our staff for their time, generosity, and support in preparing and serving on the day.

In particular, we are incredibly grateful to Jacinta for her organisation and effort in bringing it all together — it was very much appreciated.

Thank you also to our Pastoral Care Leadership Team for leading us so thoughtfully through our Ash Wednesday liturgy. It was a meaningful and reflective way to begin the season of Lent together.

What These Days Mean

Shrove Tuesday is a day of preparation, where we ready ourselves for Lent — traditionally by using up rich foods and taking time to reflect and reset.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of prayer, fasting, and giving. The ashes remind us to turn back to God and try to live with love, kindness, and faith.

Together, these days invite us to pause, reflect, and begin a journey of growth — drawing closer to God and becoming the people we are called to be.

Opening School Mass – All Welcome

We warmly invite our school community to join us for our Opening School Mass as we begin the year together in prayer and celebration.

📅 Thursday 19 February ⏰ 9:15am – 10:30am 📍 St Kilian’s Church ⛪ Celebrated by Fr Junray

This special Mass will include:

The Grade 6 Leadership Pledge, as our student leaders commit to serving our community with care, respect and responsibility
A welcome presentation for our Prep students, formally welcoming them into the St Kilian’s school family

Our Opening Mass is a beautiful opportunity to gather as a faith community, give thanks for the year ahead, and celebrate the important milestones of leadership and belonging within our school.

Families and friends are very welcome to attend, and we look forward to sharing this meaningful celebration together.