OUR FAITH

PRAYER 

God our Father, hear our prayers for a truly fruitful Lent. May our efforts in prayer and our deeds of mercy lead us to renewal, reconciliation and Easter Joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

We pray ... 

for.....Pope Leo, for our school community, as we continue to pray, give and reflect on our words and actions through the season of Lent.

SHROVE TUESDAY

SHROVE TUESDAY - 17th MARCH - PANCAKES!!

I am sure that if you asked your children what one of the highlights of their week at school was, most would say “Pancake Day!” This was a huge success thanks to the generosity of our mums, dads and carers who helped make batter, cook, spread, mix, dollop, squeeze, sprinkle, heard and serve a multitude of pancakes to the masses of children who were very keen and eager to receive their oversized pancakes to help raise $555.90 for CARITAS. A big thank you to the PT&F for their organisation!

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. The practice of administering ashes on this day dates back to the Middle Ages. Ashes are intended to remind us of our human condition and that the things of this world are transitory. They are also a sign of repentance. The Ashes are made from burning the dry palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday and are placed on the foreheads in the sign of the cross with the words: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Yesterday, the undercroft was transformed into a place of prayer where staff, Year 3 to Year 6 students, parents, friends and parishioners joined together to mark the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent.  We thank Fr Chris for presiding over the Mass. Thank you also to the staff and students who helped prepare the sacred space. 

Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students also gathered in the Auditorium yesterday for a liturgy and the distribution of ashes. Thank you to the parents and carers who joined us. 

FAMILY MASSES

Our Family Masses have become an important part of our School culture and are usually held on the first Sunday of each school term. Therefore, our first Family Masses for this term will be held on Sunday 1st March (Kindergarten and Yr 6) and Sunday 29th March (Yr 1 and Yr 5) at St Nicholas Church at 9.30 a.m. These masses are an opportunity for our school community to come together with our Parish Community to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word and to share a ‘cuppa' and morning tea afterwards. 

SACRAMENTS

This year, our Year 3 and Year 6 baptised Catholic students will receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion (First Eucharist), and Confirmation, respectively. These are important events in the life of our students, school and Parish and we look forward to sharing these occasions with our students. 

For any new students beginning at St Nicholas in 2026, if there is a Sacrament that they have missed receiving, please contact Mrs Scott as soon as possible  amcleod@arm.catholic.edu.au

The following dates have been set aside for these special events;

First Reconciliation - Wednesday 10th June 2026 - St Nicholas Church 5.30 pm 

First Eucharist - Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2026 

Confirmation - Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th September 2026

Project Compassion

Project Compassion Boxes

Each family would have received a small Project Compassion box to keep in their home during Lent. The theme of Project Compassion 2026 is ‘Unite Against Poverty’ and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues.

We are particularly encouraged during Lent to give greater attention to those who might be in need. One way we are able to do this as a Catholic Community is by supporting Project Compassion run by CARITAS Australia, and over the next forty days of Lent, we should be looking to make monetary contributions (big or small) to these boxes.

We are aware of many local families doing it tough given the current circumstances so prayers for those in need and random acts of kindness that don't cost money can be just as good as a monetary contribution!