Our Faith - Religious Education

Term 3 Dates ⛪

Mary MacKillops Feast Day 8th August 

Mary MacKillop is Australia's first saint and an inspiring example of faith, courage, and compassion. 

Together with Father Julian Tenison Woods, Mary founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. The Josephite Sisters travelled to rural and remote communities, providing education and practical support to families across Australia and New Zealand.

Mary faced many challenges throughout her life, including misunderstanding and hardship, yet she remained steadfast in her trust in God. Her well-known words, "Never see a need without doing something about it," continue to inspire people to serve others with kindness and generosity.

Mary MacKillop was canonised as a saint in 2010. Her feast day is celebrated each year on 8 August, reminding us that even small acts of love and service can make a lasting difference.

As we reflect on Mary's example, may we look for opportunities to help those around us with compassion, hope, and a generous heart.

Save the Date- Class Liturgies

Next term, each class will hold a class Liturgy where families will be invited to celebrate with the students.  

 Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

Save the Dates – Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

We ask families to please save the following dates for our upcoming Sacramental celebrations:

Enrollment Night First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation Wendesday 29th July 6pm in the Torreggiani Room.

• Reconciliation: 19th August 2026 Mass in the Cathedral.

• First Holy Communion: 12th and 13th September - Mass in the Cathedral.

  Combined First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion – Term 3 (For students Year 4 and over or Year 3 and over at St Mary’s) 

  Enrolment/Parent Night: Wednesday 29th July, at 6pm in the Torreggiani Room. 

  Lessons 1: Sunday 2nd August 9.00am – 10.00am 

  Reconciliation 2: Sunday 9th August 9.00am – 10.00am 

  Reconciliation 3: Sunday 16th August 9.00am – 10.00am

  Reconciliation Sacrament of First Reconciliation Wednesday 19th August from 5pm in the Cathedral. 

  FHC Lesson 4: Sunday 23rd August 9.00am – 10.00am 

  FHC Lesson 5: Sunday 30th August 9.00am – 10.00am

  FHC Lesson 6: Sunday 6th September 9.00am – 10.00am

  FHC Sacrament of First Holy Communion Weekend of 12th and 13th September Mass in the Cathedral.

Catholic Principals and Values

Our Catholic values are part of everyday life. The core Catholic principles and values that underpin our educational approach are: Primacy of God, Sanctity of Life, Fidelity in Relationships,and Common Good.

What is the Angelus Prayer?

The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer that remembers the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would become the mother of Jesus. The prayer reflects on Mary’s “yes” to God and reminds us of God becoming human in Jesus Christ. 

We are beginning our journey to implement the Angelus Prayer across our school community. This term, staff are becoming familiar with resources and ways to share the prayer and its meaning with students.

This term, students will be introduced to the Angelus and learn about its importance within our Catholic tradition. By Term 4, we hope to have the whole school confidently praying the Angelus together as part of our shared faith life.

CATHEDRAL PARISH OF SAINT MARY & JOSEPH ARMIDALE 

Administrator Father Paul Chandler

armidaleparish@armidale.catholic.org.au

phone 67722218 

Mass Times

Saturday Vigil Mass 6 pm

Sunday 8 am, 10 am, 11am (Solemn Mass) & 5:30 pm 

Diocesan Prayer Card