Education in Faith
Project Compassion
A huge thank you to everybody who donated to our Project Compassion fundraiser. At this stage, we have raised $3,491.95. This amazing total means that all of the teachers who volunteered will be getting dunked by a bucket of icy cold water.
On Tuesday 13th May - Mr Byrne, Mrs Gorgeous Golds, Mrs Jackson, Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Hollow were dunked. Click here to watch the video.
On Thursday 22nd May it's Mr Dame, Mrs Hautot, Mrs Gill, Mrs Hansen, Ms Mackay, Mr Gulavin's turn.
You are most welcome to come and watch.
Family Led Sunday Mass
During 2025 the Parish, in conjunction with the Parish Primary Schools, has planned Family led weekend Masses. These Masses will be celebrated once a term and be followed by hospitality. They will be a great opportunity for children and their families to be involved in a Mass within the parish community.
Family Masses will provide an opportunity for families to come together and to support each other in faith. They can particularly be important for families who are presenting their children for Sacraments throughout the year. There may be opportunities to reconnect with our own faith as adults. There may be opportunities to engage with parish life and learn more about the faith, for those who are not so familiar with our local worshiping community. All families are welcome at these family Masses no matter what your religious background or affiliation.
Family Masses have been scheduled for the following dates this year:
Saturday 15 March at 6.00 pm (OHR Church)
Special invitation to Year 3 & Year 5 students and families
Sunday, 18 May at 5.00 pm (OLGC Church)
Special invitation to Year 4 students and families (includes First Eucharist Commitment)
Sunday, 17 August at 5.00 pm (OLGC Church)
Special invitation to Year 6 students and families (includes Confirmation Commitment)
Saturday, 15 November at 6.00pm (OHR Church)
Prep, Year 1 & Year 2 and new families for 2026 are particularly invited to this Mass
Thank you to those families who helped with organising supper following the Eucharist Commitment Mass which was last Sunday evening at OLGC. A special mention goes to Dilan R and Charlie C who confidently read at the Mass.
RE Learning in 3/4JH
In preparation for our Grade 4 students who will be making their First Eucharist this term, we have been learning about the history of The Passover Meal, through the story of Moses who lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The meal is celebrated by Jewish people to commemorate the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery.
Students have learnt that Jesus was celebrating The Passover with his disciples the night before he was crucified on the cross. A meal we now call The Last Supper. We were lucky to have a visit from Mrs Giovannini, who taught us more about the history of the Jewish people and The Passover Meal.
We have also been learning about the four parts of the mass and how we can link these to our own family celebrations such as birthdays or Christmas. We spent time with Fr Sang in the church to understand more about what happens during each part of the mass.
- We Gather (Introductory Rites)
- We Listen (Liturgy of the Word)
- We Share (Liturgy of the Eucharist)
- We Give Thanks and Go (Concluding Rites)
Our students were able to link symbols and actions from their family celebrations to each part of the mass.
Sunday Gospel
The liturgy of the Catholic Church provides a framework for reflection which is used by Catholics throughout the world. Each week in the Newsletter, you will find the Sunday Gospel as well as some discussion questions to have with your child/ren.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we shall come to him and make our home with him.
Those who do not love me do not keep my words.
And my word is not my own: it is the word of the one who sent me.
I have said these things to you while still with you;
but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.
Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,
a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say:
I am going away, and shall return.
If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father,
for the Father is greater than I.
I have told you this now before it happens,
so that when it does happen you may believe.’
Discussion Questions
1. Who are the people you have to obey?
2. What sort of things are you asked to do?
3. What happens if you don’t do them?
4. Why should you do the things that are asked of you?
5. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to help us obey him. What sort of things does he ask of us?
6. How can we show our love for Jesus this week?
Nick Byrne
RE Leader