Catholic Identity

2024/2025 Sacramental Program infomation & calendar:

Adult Faith Night

As the primary educators of faith for our children, it’s essential that we also continue to grow, learn, and find nourishment through knowledge and spiritual opportunities. Our own journey of formation is ongoing, and gatherings like our Adult Faith Formation night last week, are crafted with that purpose in mind: to bring us together, foster connection, and create a space for sharing and learning.

These nights show our children that we are committed to lifelong learning, especially in our faith. When they see us actively seeking growth and understanding, it sends a powerful message about the value of spiritual curiosity and engagement. Last week, Anthony Holligan, who leads our adult faith formation program, guided us in exploring the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a sacrament that offers us renewal, healing, and a deepened relationship with God.

A big thank you to our participants who embraced the opportunity to learn together, remained open, and inspired one another. Each of us brings a unique story and perspective to these gatherings, enriching our shared experience. We look forward to the insights and connections we’ll share as we deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith on the Sacramental Journey of our children.

Commitment Mass & Cluster Groups

We are excited to support our Sacramental Candidates and their families as they take another meaningful step in their faith journey. We invite you to join us for our Commitment Masses this Sunday, October 20th. During these Masses, our candidates will receive a special blessing, along with their Steps in Faith Reconciliation Book, which will guide them through the sacramental preparation process.

Our journey continues with our First Cluster Group on Thursday, October 24th at St. Anne’s College, Kialla. Here, we will work together through the Steps in Faith Reconciliation Book, sharing insights and engaging in activities that deepen our understanding of this sacrament. Cluster Groups provide a valuable opportunity for candidates and their families to connect, reflect, and support one another in a warm and encouraging environment.

We are grateful for your commitment and look forward to walking this journey with you and your families as we all grow in faith, understanding, and community.

Updated Sacramental Calendar attached ~

"Go forth and set the world on fire"

St Ignatius of Loyola

Mission Month ~ October 

The month of October is known as “World Mission Month” for many people.

The word, “mission” is a verb!! 

It calls us to act, to do something, not just sit and listen, not just sit and look. 

To “mission” means to go out into the world and spread the good news.

To physically do something to help make the lives of others better.

To recognise the human dignity of each person and include them in decisions which affect them.

To stand in solidarity with others - to be their voice, their hands, their feet - when they are struggling.

To fight for the common good in our world - to make things equal for everyone. 

To make a difference using our power.

We recognised and celebrated this power through our Assembly prayer on Monday.

We began our fundraising for Catholic Missions with our annual Footy Colours Coin Line. Catholic Mission is the Pope’s international Mission agency in Australia. An international organisation that partners with communities, helping them to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and spiritual care.

Pope Francis' Message for World Mission Month 2024 

~ Go & Invite Everyone to the Banquet - Matt 22:09

Building on the inclusive message from Matthew 22:09, Pope Francis invites us to extend the invitation to the banquet far and wide, building bridges of solidarity and unity.

Read the full message here ~ 

World Mission Sunday 20th October 2024 ~ 

To celebrate missionaries and their work, Pope Francis has published a message for the 2024 World Mission Sunday. With the theme chosen, “Go and invite everyone to the banquet” (Mt 22:9)

Read the full message here ~ 

Actions speak louder than words, let your words teach and your actions speak” 

Saint Anthony of  Padua 

Social Justice ~ St. Vincent DePaul 

It's almost here ~ this Friday!!! 

We are looking forward to our CRAZY Hair Day next term which our Year 6 Social Justice Team has organised to continue to raise much-needed funds for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Date ~ Term 4: Friday 25th October 

October ~ Month of the Rosary 

Each year, the month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, with the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary being celebrated on October 7th. The Rosary is a powerful and meditative prayer helping us to reflect on key moments in the life of Jesus.

Do you have a set of Rosary beads or prayer beads at home? Perhaps they hold a special story or tradition within your family?

In my own family, the Rosary has always been a meaningful part of our lives. I still remember the first set of Rosary beads I received from my Nan as a child. As a family, we would often gather to pray the Rosary, whether it was on long road trips or at Nan’s house during family visits. The act of praying together not only deepened our faith but also strengthened our bonds as a family.

The Rosary beads pictured here were a special gift from a dear friend who brought them for me from the Vatican in Rome. What makes them even more significant is that they have been blessed by the Pope himself. These beads, like many others around the world in many religions, are a symbol of faith, love, and tradition, passed down through generations and carrying with them the prayers and hopes of countless people.

This October, I invite you to rediscover the beauty of the Rosary, whether in a quiet moment of personal reflection or as a shared prayer with your family. Let us take this time to honour Mary, reflect on the life of Jesus, and strengthen our spiritual journey together.

Feel free to send in your stories and pictures of your Rosary beads or Prayer beads.

Liturgical Calendar ~ November 

In our liturgical calendar, we look to the month of November. In the Catholic tradition, November is traditionally a month of remembrance of those who have died. The month begins with the Solemnity of All Saints on the 1st of November and the Commemoration of the All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), on 2 November.

November 1st, is All Saints Day. This day is dedicated to remembering those who have been canonised saints by the Church. Some discussions you might like to have as a family - Who are some saints you know? St. Mel, St. Patrick, Mary Mackillop, Mother Teresa. People are sometimes named after saints, do you know anyone? What qualities might a saint possess - faith and belief in God, love for fellow people and standing up for those who have no voice, compassion, service to others? 

How can we learn from saints, how can we follow in their footsteps? 

Who do we know that shows the qualities of a saint in your own life? 

See our Parish Bulletin for how our church will commemorate these days in November.

Open our HEARTS up to the world & be COMPASSIONATE! 

Pope Francis

Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy the time with your families, fill your cups doing all the things that bring you the most joy,

Danae Napier

Deputy Principal / Religious Education Leader

Did you know ~