Catholic Identity
PRAYER
Last Friday we celebrated ANZAC Day. This is a time to remember and honor the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who landed at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I, as well as all Australians who have served in times of peace and war, and those who have died in service.
Below is a prayer that families might like to say together:
ANZAC Day Prayer
Gracious and loving God,
The cross of Christ is the sign
of your desire for justice and peace for all.
Open our minds to your vision
as we remember all who suffered
through Australia and New Zealand’s involvement
in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Grant all servicepersons
who sacrificed health and life for the good of all,
the gift of your deep peace.
May we who inherit the freedom for which they fought
become instruments of your peace
in our homes, workplaces and world.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord
Amen.
POPE FRANCIS
The St John’s school community was saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis.
He was a leader who brought people together through his compassion, humility and commitment to justice. His presence and message touched lives across the world. Pope Francis was the People’s Pope.
May he rest in peace
Stations of the Cross
GOOD FRIDAY
On Wednesday 2nd of April our Year 6’s took us on a live Stations of the Cross or as it is sometimes known, the Way of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross represent 14 key moments in the trial, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus Christ.
1. Jesus is condemned to death
2. Jesus carries his cross
3. Jesus falls the first time
4. Jesus meets his mother
5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
7. Jesus falls a second time
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9.Jesus falls a third time
10. Jesus is stripped of his garments
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross
12. Jesus dies on the cross
13. Jesus is taken down from the cross
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
1. Jesus is condemned to death
2. Jesus carries his cross
3. Jesus falls the first time
4. Jesus meets his mother
5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
7. Jesus falls a second time
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9.Jesus falls a third time
10. Jesus is stripped of his garments
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross
12. Jesus dies on the cross
13. Jesus is taken down from the cross
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2025
All baptised Catholic students in Year 3, 4 and 6 will be preparing to celebrate a Sacrament this year. Students in Year 4 will receive their First Holy Communion in Term 2 and our Year 6 students will be Confirmed in Term 3.
An important aspect of preparing for any Sacrament is to attend Mass each weekend. Fr Albert is encouraging every child in the Parish of St Andrew’s, who is preparing to celebrate a Sacrament this year, to attend Mass regularly, to receive God’s abundant graces.
Recently all students who are preparing for a Sacrament received their Sacramental Journal. These Journals are given to all children in the Parish who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, their First Holy Communion or to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. The Journal is an easy way for families to record the Masses they attend throughout the year. Please remember to take a pen to Mass so the priest can sign your Journal for you at the end of Mass.
COMMUNITY MASSES 2025
Throughout the year we will be holding a number of Community Masses here in our school hall. These Masses are generally celebrated on the fourth Saturday of the month (excluding school holidays or where the weekend is next to a public holiday). Below is a list of this year’s Community Mass dates, we look forward to seeing many of our families there.
Saturday 24th May
Saturday 28th June
Saturday 26th July
Saturday 23rd August
Saturday 25th October
Saturday 22nd November
Parish Take Away Sheet
SACRAMENTAL DATES 2025
Below are our Sacramental Dates for this year. These dates are particularly important for Baptised Catholic students in Years 3, 4 & 6. Families need to be aware the Sacrament of Eucharist has two important dates coming on May 29th and June 5th.
