RE NEWS

Taking Pause on our Journey...

 A young person asked Pope Francis for advice. Below is the response from Francis…

Walking is an art; if we are always in a hurry we tire and cannot reach our destination, the destination of our journey. Yet if we stop and do not move, we also fail to reach our destination. Walking is precisely the art of looking to the horizon, thinking about where I want to go, and also coping with the weariness that comes from walking ... Walking in community, with friends, with those who love us: this helps us, it helps us to arrive precisely at the destination where we must arrive. I don’t know if I have answered your question. Have you understood? You won’t be afraid of the journey? 

This year, we have walked in faith with many people at OLPS. The teachers,  support staff, parish priests, leaders, and friends. We can draw much inspiration from Pope Francis, who offers insights into the concept of journey; particularly as we prepare as a school to take pause on our ‘journey’ with the impending school summer holiday break period. The story of  Jesus' birth solidifies this concept for us as we navigate, and celebrate, moments of apprehension, birth and revelation. May we embrace journey as a school of faith, hope, love and learning. 

In this the final newsletter for 2023, may I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank different groups of people. Firstly, to our parish priests, Sr. Rochelle and the parish secretary for their support and for always being accommodating throughout our school celebrations, liturgies, Masses and sacramental programs. 

Secondly, our entire staff team, who work tirelessly and dedicate so much time and energy to the spiritual growth of the students. I see so much of this happening behind the scenes to ensure that our Catholic identity is enhanced and reinforced in all that happens at our school, especially through prayer, sacramental and liturgical celebrations, social justice initiatives and much more.

To you the parent community who engage with us in partnership, in enhancing the spiritual journey of the children especially during our sacramental programs and outreach initiatives such as Caritas Australia, Catholic Mission, Vinnies Grocery Race and Christmas Hampers. Thank you for your support and understanding, and for having the faith in us to do our best in the interests of your children's faith development.

To our very special Social Justice team for 2023. Sara, Zed, Amelia, Onella, Nicholas,  and Alexander. They have given up their time, treasure and talent throughout the year to ensure that they are promoting justice in their local and global community. May they continue this vocation in the future to bring Christ's light to the whole world. 

Finally, the children. I would like to thank them for the joy of Christ they bring us everyday and for letting us be a part of their faith journey. The children are the reason we do what we do, and for us as a staff team, they make our jobs our vocations. I wish you all a very safe and peaceful Christmas time. May you feel a closeness to your God and an opportunity to celebrate all that is special to you.

Enjoy the summer break. For those of you who are leaving us, please know that our story is richer for you being a part of it. For the rest of us who are returning next year, we look forward to seeing everyone back in 2024. 

Merry Christmas,

Marim Elia 

Religious Education Leader

2024 Sacramental Dates 

workshop and retreat dates will be added later

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Year 3- please note change of date

• Reconciliation Night  Tuesday 5th of  March  2024 at 7:00 pm 
• Sign up & Presentation Weekend 9th or 10th of March 2024 - Attend any of the Parish Masses.

Sacrament of First Communion - Year 4

• Sign up  and Presentation Weekend 18th or 19th of May 2024 - Attend any of the Parish Masses 
• First Communion Celebration Sunday 2nd of  June 2024 at 2:00 pm

Sacrament of Confirmation - Year 6 

• Sign up and Presentation Weekend 10th or 11th of August 2024- Attend any of the Parish Masses 
• Confirmation Celebration: Sunday 18th of August 2024 at 1:30 pm