Religious Education
Paul Hogan's Memorial Mass
Last Thursday, 1st August, the St Mary's School and Parish Community gathered to pay their respects and share their faith in a memorial mass for our past principal, Paul Hogan. The liturgy was well attended, along with members of Paul's family including his wife Rosie, brother Peter and sister, Anne. The school children rose to the occassion and were extremely respectful and reverent throughout the entire ceremony.
It is fitting that when we use the phrase, 3,2,1, waterfall…sssh (to help quieten the children), which Mr Hogan introduced to our school, we can picture a peaceful waterfall with its soothing sound, knowing that Mr Hogan, in that same peaceful way, will be watching over us as a special guardian angel to St Mary’s Community.
Before the mass began, we remebered Paul's character through some momentos that were brought forward by staff and students.
- A photo of Mr Hogan: This reminds us of the character and gentleman he was to everyone.
- A football: Mr Hogan loved his sport, especially football where he enjoyed having a kick in the yard with the students or even playing in the Dad’s Football game against other Catholic Schools. This will be continue this month as the dad's play for the Paul Hogan Cup.
- A microphone: Mr Hogan enjoyed speaking to the school community at assemblies and he even enjoyed it more using the microphone at any staff functions.
- A large photo of the school children and staff in 2022: Mr Hogan loved being a loyal principal and enjoyed all his time here at St Mary’s Primary School.
- A candle: This candle represents the light of Christ and Mr Hogan’s commitment and devotion to his Catholic faith. The candle will be lit from the Jesus-Easter Candle, which helps us to celebrate Jesus risen from the dead.
The SRC children from Years 2-6, brought forward a class scroll with words from each child using the sentence starter, One thing I loved about Mr Hogan was...
These scrolls were then passed on to the Hogan Family.
Our Prayers of the Faithful were focused on Mr Hogan.
May the family of Mr Hogan, through their sadness and grief, find the comfort of God during this special time of loss. Lord hear us
For the St Mary’s School Community: that the compassion of God helps them feel blessed by knowing Mr Hogan during his time with us. Lord hear us
May God be with the many schools that Mr Hogan had worked with over his career, and let their joyful memories stay with them forever in their hearts. Lord hear us.
We thank God for allowing many of us the opportunity to have known Mr Hogan when he was Principal here at St Mary’s and for the enjoyment of learning and leadership he gave to us. Lord hear us.
We pray for all souls who have gone before us, in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face in heaven. Lord hear us.
May the spirit of Mr Hogan be with the Year 5’s on their camp next week, and may they have a safe and enjoyable experience. Lord hear us
Feast of St Mary (of the Cross) MacKillop
On Thursday, 8th August we celebrated the feast day of Australia’s only saint - Mary [of the Cross] MacKillop.
Students engaged in activities that highlighted Saint Mary MacKillop’s dedication to education and compassion. Through stories, art projects, and role-playing, students explored her profound impact on Australian communities. Students learnt about Saint Mary MacKillop’s teachings such as “Never see a need without doing something about it,” inspiring us all to make a difference in our own lives.
Feast of the Assumption of Mary
Next Thursday, 15th August, is the feast day of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. This is one of the few Holy Days of Obligation (to attend mass) in the year for Catholics. The whole school will be attending the 9:00am parish mass which will be lead by children from Years 5 and 6.
Everyone is most welcome to join us for this important feast day.
The Assumption commemorates the belief that when Mary died, rather than going through the natural process of physical decay on Earth, both her soul and body were taken to Heaven, to be with her Son, Jesus.
It’s speculated that this could have been possible because she didn’t suffer from Original Sin, as stated in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This can be further confirmed as there is no relic of Mary’s body in existence, and no one has ever claimed to have found one.