Religious Dimension

A prayer for Mother's Day:

God of blessing, 

God of life, 

We thank you for the gift of our mothers, 

And all those who are like mothers to us. 

We place them in your loving care 

And trust that you will give them all that they need for life. 

Bless our mothers,

Bless them with hope.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Risen Son.

Amen 

Sacramental Program: First Communion

Our Year 4 families enjoyed a night together last Thursday at the First Communion Information Evening. Discussions between families about experiences of First Communion and the significance of family celebrations were supported by Father Gallacher sharing his insight and understanding into the purpose of receiving First Communion.

We look forward to seeing a special 'altar piece' from each family which will contribute to our altar cloth to display at the First Communion on Sunday 14th June.

We also joined together on Sunday night at the First Communion Commitment Mass which saw our students commit themselves to the program, to the Sacrament and to St Roch’s Parish as a group. Please keep our students in your prayers during this time.

Special thanks to our Sacramental team of Father Gallacher, Angie Mastoras, Jess Mount and Theresa Hogan as they continue to prepare our students for this special faith milestone. 

Social Justice:  Thank you from Sisilia!

Jambo! (That means hello in Swahili!)

My name is Sisilia – I’m 13 years old and I live in a small village in northern Tanzania. 

I’m so excited to hear that you’re taking part in Project Compassion with your school, and I wanted to write to you to say a HUGE Asante Sana (thank you very much)! 

For a long time, I had to walk long distances every day to collect water. It would take me up to 30 minutes each way, and I had to do it three times a day! 

The water would sometimes make me sick, and the long walks often left me feeling very tired and unable to focus on my studies. 

But with the help of students like YOU and your amazing support of Caritas Australia, everything has changed. Thanks to Caritas Australia, my school and village now have clean water taps – and they have made such a difference! 

It now takes me just two minutes to collect safe, clean water for my family, giving me more time to focus on my education, my favourite subjects (English, Science and Maths).

I also joined a SWASH (School Water, Hygiene and Sanitation) Club, where I help to teach my friends about hygiene and sanitation through songs and poems – sometimes, we even get to teach our parents too! 

I feel proud to be able to share what I have learned with the rest of my community. 

Your fundraising during Project Compassion is making a huge difference, helping children like me go to school and build brighter futures instead of spending hours walking for water. 

I hope you feel proud – I think you are incredible! 

Asante Sana (thank you very much), 

Sisilia (Tanzania)

CatholicCare Family Week: 11 - 15 May

This year, the theme is 'Building thriving communities, where everyone belongs'.

'Families play an important role in shaping our sene of connection, care and responsibility for one another. Love and hope is at the heart of our mission. Together, we can build thriving families and communities where everyone belongs.'  

St Roch's are proud to join this special week and to reflect on, pray for and celebrate our families!

Look out for a SEESAW post inviting your familiy to be a part of this week - can you complete an activity every day?

• Preps in Pyjamas: Thurs 21 May @ 6.00 pm
• Year 1 and 2 Family Mass: Sun 31 May @ 9.30 am
• Whole Staff Formation Day: Tues 9 June
• Year 4 First Communion Retreat Session: Wed 10 June @ 12.00pm
• Year 4 First Communion: Sun 14 June @ 12.00 pm
• SDVP Winter Appeal

Louise Bolton  

Religious Dimension Leader