Catholic Identity
Catholic Identity Leader: Mrs Elizabeth Holligan
Friday 21 March, 2025
Reflection:
The parable of the fig tree told by Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel is our focus this weekend. We are reminded that the fig tree will only bear fruit if cared for and encouraged. The tree has been left uncared for and has not done well, it is to be cut down, only to be saved by a gardener who requests a second chance to care and encourage the fig tree to bear fruit. Lent is this opportunity for us. A second chance to reflect, redirect our lives. A second chance to listen to God consider what God’s plans are for us. A second chance for us to bear the fruits God desires. May we use this time during Lent to reconsider our lives as people of God. How can we, as people of God, bring the love of Christ to those around us in the week ahead?
General Notices - Catholic Identity Leader
St Mel’s Parish 2025 Sacramental Program
Last Sunday our candidates commencing the Confirmation and Eucharist Sacramental Program attended their Commitment Masses at St Mel’s Parish Church and on Thursday evening they attended session 1 of the Confirmation and Eucharist Sacramental program. Session 1 was held at St Anne’s College and facilitated by Elizabeth Holligan and Anthony Holligan from St Anne’s College and Danae Napier from St Mel’s Primary School. The next session will be held at St Mel’s Primary School Tuesday 1 April at 6.30pm.
St Anne’s College, as part of St Mel’s Parish, partners with St Mel’s Primary School and the Parish to facilitate the Parish Sacramental Program each year. The Confirmation and Eucharist Sacramental Program is recommended for Catholic children in Grade 4 and above. The Reconciliation Sacramental Program is recommended for Catholic children in Grade 3 and above. For further information contact the St Mel’s Parish office on (03) 5831 2194 between 9.30am and 2.30pm, Tuesday to Friday. We ask you keep our Confirmation and Eucharist candidates in your prayers while they prepare to celebrate their Confirmation and First Eucharist on Pentecost Sunday June 8.
Enhancing Catholic School Identity Surveys
Every four years our Catholic schools take part in ECSI surveys to gain meaningful insights into how families view our school’s Catholic Identity today and how such identity may be shaped for tomorrow. Our students from Year 5-12 completed the survey over the past two weeks.
Earlier this week parents/carers were emailed information on how to complete this important survey. Please take the time to complete the survey in the next week if you have not yet done so. Your input is important and confidential.
Stations of the Cross
Parents/carers are invited to join our St Anne’s College community as our students present their version of the Stations of the Cross on Thursday 3 April at 1.30pm at the College. Please sign in at the front office on arrival and you will be directed to where our Stations of the Cross will take place.
Upcoming events
We have a very busy term ahead - highlights include Project Compassion, Caritas fundraising, Lent and Stations of the Cross. May our good God guide us as a community to share our talents and to show love towards each other.
God Bless. Mrs Elizabeth Holligan, Catholic Identity Leader