Religious Education

Welcome to Term 3! 

I hope you have had a great start to the term and that the holidays allowed for some rest and relaxation together as a family.

Some dates for your calendar for this term…..

The Feast Day of St. Mary MacKillop Friday 8th August

On the 8th August, we celebrate the feast day of St. Mary MacKillop with an Assembly on the top playground at 9am. This Assembly will be led by our Year 5 classes and you are most welcome to attend! 

Who was St. Mary MacKillop?

Mary MacKillop, born in Melbourne, Australia in 1842, was a pioneering educator and the first Australian to be canonised as a saint. She co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866, focusing on providing education to poor children and establishing schools across Australia. Despite facing opposition and challenges, her dedication to her faith and social justice never wavered. Her work laid the foundation for Catholic education in Australia, and her legacy continues through the ongoing work of our Catholic School teachers today and the Sisters of St Joseph.

St. Mary MacKillop Prayer

Ever generous God, 

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely, or needy. We ask that our faith and hope be renewed by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust, and openness. We ask this through Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Famous St. Mary MacKillop Quote

"Never see a need without doing something about it."

Grade Masses

During the term, grades 3-6 have the opportunity to attend the 9.15am Friday Parish Mass. You are most welcome to attend any of these Masses and to join in celebrating the Eucharist with the grade that is attending each week. 

The dates for the grade Masses this term are: 

• Week 4:  Friday 15th August: 

  The Feast of the Assumption (Years 3-6 attending Mass)

• Week 6: Friday 29th August : Year 4

• Week 8: Friday 12th September: Year 6

• Week 9: Friday 19th September: Year 5

First Holy Communion

Last Tuesday evening the candidates for First Holy Communion attended their information night in preparation for the receiving of the Sacrament. 

Please keep these candidates in your Prayers as they prepare to receive the Eucharist for the very first time.

The dates for the First Holy Communion Masses are:

• Saturday 23rd August at the 4pm and 5.30pm Parish Mass

• Sunday 24th August at the 9.30am Parish Mass

Coming up later in the term…..

Fathers’ Day Breakfast Liturgy and breakfast:  Friday 5th September. 

Be sure to save the date!!

Quick family quiz:

Let’s see how you go…. A chance to chat with your child(ren) about some of the Liturgical terms that you would encounter during the Mass….. 

Are YOU able to answer the following?…..You might like to work these out with your child(ren) 

Match the correct definition with the correct word….( you’ll find the answers at the end of this newsletter piece) 

Chalice                      The table where the Eucharist is celebrated

Ambo                         The special sacred box where Jesus is present through

                                     the consecrated hosts

Altar                            The light that indicates that Jesus is present in the 

Sanctuary Light      The place from where the Word of God is read

Tabernacle                The special cup that contains the wine that is changed    

                                       into Jesus’ blood

Genuflect            The clothes that the priest wears to celebrate                                  the Mass

Vestments          Sign of respect to Jesus who is present in the                                 Tabernacle

HSC Student Prayer Cards

It's that time of year again when we invite families to write a well being message/prayer for a Year 12 student, in our Catholic senior colleges, studying for the Higher School Certificate. They need our support! Please respond to this invitation as soon as possible.

Thank you, Tracey Bowler.

Click here to see details attached:

Have a fabulous fortnight everyone !

Mrs Cheryl Ross

Religious Education Coordinator

Answers to the above questions… How did you go ??? 

Chalice:  The special cup that contains the wine that is changed into Jesus’ blood

Ambo: The place from where the Word of God is read

Altar: The table where the Eucharist is celebrated                                 

Sanctuary Light: The light that indicates that Jesus is present in the Tabernacle                  

Tabernacle: The special sacred box where Jesus is present through the consecrated hosts                        

Genuflect :  A Sign of respect to Jesus who is present in the Tabernacle                        

Vestments: The clothes that the priest wears to celebrate the Mass