RE News

Term 3 Nano Nagle Value: Compassion

This term the WHOLE school is focusing on the Nano Nagle value of Compassion.

Our students follow our school rules of Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Responsible.

Students are reminded to follow the schools rules while showing Compassion.

You will notice that one of our class awards handed out at assembly will be for a student showing the value of Compassion in that term. Teachers are also handing out tokens to students showing the value in their interactions on the playground.

Sacrament of First Holy Communion

Our Year 3 students will begin making the sacrament of First Holy Communion this weekend. They have been busy preparing themselves for this sacrament under the guidance of Fr Richard, Mrs Woodhouse and our wonderful teachers who have volunteered their time to lead the students through this preparation. We congratulate all of our students who will receive this special sacrament this weekend and next weekend. Our entire school community is welcome to celebrate with our students at one of the four masses:

Saturday 13th @5pm, Sunday 14th @10am, Saturday 20th @5pm or Sunday 21st @10am.

Term 3 Liturgical Calendar

Please note that this calendar is a working document and updated regularly.

Sydney Synod 2026

Archbishop Fisher has called for a Sydney Synod in 2026 in response to Holy Spirit-inspired longings from Sydney Catholics for more prayerful liturgies, more Christ-centred communities, and a more mission-oriented Church. Within our Archdiocese, there is much to give thanks for: vibrant parish communities, increasing vocations, dedicated lay faithful, and a rich variety of initiatives in evangelisation, pastoral care, and social outreach.

In preparation for the Synod, the Archbishop invites you to share your positive, faithful, and practical ideas on how we can become a more prayerful, Christ-centred and missionary people by attending any of the three regional consultations later in the year.

You are encouraged to get involved by discussing these hopes within your communities, and bringing forward your collective ideas on how these can be met to our regional consultations. You can register to attend any of the three consultations below:

St Mary’s Cathedral

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 6 – 9 PM

All Saints, Liverpool

Thursday, 16 October 2025 | 6 – 9 PM

Please click here to view the Sydney Synod Launch.

Further information can be found in this Catholic Weekly article and on the Archdiocesan Synod Webpage.

Family Educator News

A Path To The Sacrament of Baptism For Children

Our school and parish would like to offer a special opportunity for families whose children have not yet been baptised. We understand that some children may not come from Catholic families but, since beginning their school journey, have developed a meaningful connection with the Catholic faith.

Sometimes it can feel a little awkward or daunting for parents to reach out to the parish to enquire about baptism. To support these students and their families, we are offering special preparation programs that leads to baptism:

Preparation for Baptism:

Kindergarten and Year 1

Parents can contact the parish office directly to book a date for their child’s baptism - 02 9524 0590
Parents are required to attend one baptism preparation session at the parish office. This date is dependent on the date selected for the baptism.
Children in Kindergarten and Year 1 do not need to attend this preparation session.

Years 2 – 3

Students must attend two Faith Formation preparation sessions:
- Sunday 19 October
- Sunday 26 October
Sessions will take place in the church from 9:00am to 10:00am.
Students must attend either the 8:00am Mass before or the 10:00am Mass after each session.
Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Years 4 – 6

Students must attend three Faith Formation preparation sessions:
- Sunday 19 October
- Sunday 26 October
- Sunday 02 November
These sessions also run from 9:00am to 10:00am in the church.
Attendance at either the 8:00am Mass prior or 10:00am Mass following the session is required.
Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Godparents:

To be baptised, each child must have at least one Catholic godparent who is practicing their faith. Ideally, this should be someone the child can talk to about faith, particularly if the parents are not Catholic themselves.

If you would like to register your child for baptism or have any questions about the preparation sessions please complete the Google Form by Monday, 01 September - LINK .

If you would like further information, please contact Ann Woodhouse

ann.woodhouse01@syd.catholic.edu.au

RITE of Christian Initiation for Adults

Nano's Lanterns

Playgroup - Everyone is welcome!

Women's Conference - Saturday, 27 September

Ladies, Mark your calendars for a fantastic day at the Catholic Women's Network, Women's Conference, happening on Saturday, 27 September!

Bring your friends, your sisters, your daughters and your mothers for an incredible day of spiritual renewal. Whether you are looking to strengthen your faith or simply enjoy the company of other incredible women, this conference is for you!

Hope to see you there!

SCS Parent Pilgrimages 2025

The Family Wellbeing & Education Team from Sydney Catholic Schools invites parents, carers, and grandparents to take part in a Parent Pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year – a time to step away from daily routines and walk in faith. Each pilgrimage offers a unique theme and experience, blending prayer, reflection, and community. Whether along the stunning coastline, in the heart of the city, or in preparation for Advent, these journeys will inspire and renew your spirit.

Join us as we walk together in faith!

Please register your interest here:

Steps of Faith: A Pilgrimage of Strength & Spirit - https://www.trybooking.com/DAMJN

Our faith is a journey that calls us to move both physically and spiritually. Just as athletes train their bodies, we are invited to strengthen our souls through perseverance, trust, and prayer. This pilgrimage along the stunning coastal path will remind us that faith requires endurance, courage, and a heart open to the Holy Spirit. Inspired by the life of Eileen O’Connor, we will reflect on how small steps of faith can lead to great strength in God.

2. September 15, 2025 – Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage of Healing and Hope (St Mary’s Cathedral)

Please register your interest here:

Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage of Healing & Hope - https://www.trybooking.com/DANIS

Life’s journey is filled with joys and sorrows, triumphs and trials. Yet, even in suffering, Christ walks with us, offering healing and hope. This pilgrimage to St Mary’s Cathedral is a moment to pause, bring our burdens before the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and rediscover the peace found in His presence. The day will include a guided tour of the Cathedral by Fr Roberto Keryakos and a crypt tour led by Dr. Robert Haddad, offering a profound encounter with the rich history and faith of the Cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Sydney. Additionally, Fr William Chow will deliver an inspiring talk on the Jubilee of Hope and what it means for you and your family, encouraging us to embrace this sacred time with renewed faith and trust in God's promises.

3. November 15, 2025 – Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Retreat Pilgrimage of Hope and Renewal (St Catherine Labouré, Gymea) - Open to Parents, Carers, Grandparents, all SCS Staff & Parishioners

Please register your interest here:

Preparing Our Hearts: A Retreat Pilgrimage of Hope & Renewal - https://www.trybooking.com/DANIX

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded that Advent is a journey of the heart - an invitation to slow down, reflect, and make space for God’s presence in our lives. This retreat pilgrimage to St Catherine Labouré, Gymea is an opportunity to renew our hope, embrace the joy of the Gospel, and ready our hearts for the coming of Jesus. The day will include a presentation by Rev Dr Gregory Morgan PP, who will share practical tips on how to have the best Advent ever, helping us make the most of this holy season.

God Bless,

Ann Woodhouse, Family Educator