Reflections on Faith 

Father Thaddeus 20 Year Ordination Anniversary

We would like to extend our congratulations again to Father Thaddeus for celebrating his 20 year ordination on the 16th of July. As we were on holidays at this time, we celebrated as a school community on the first day back, 22nd of July. 

St. Patrick's Parish Sacramental Program Information for 2025 

Please find below the letter that went home to parents. Although the First Holy Communion and Reconciliation meeting for students in Year 3 was held last Thursday night, if you would like to enrol your child in these Sacraments, please contact me at the school or Father Thaddeus. 

Dear Parents,

I am writing to inform you of the sacramental preparation calendar for St. Patrick’s Parish for 2025. As you know, the Sacraments are a Parish activity and not a school activity - they belong to the life of the Parish. Fr Thaddeus, as Parish Priest, will continue to prepare children for the Sacraments through a parish preparation programme which is supplemented through lesson material at St. Joseph's School. The parish programme generally takes place after the 8.30 am Mass in the period prior to the celebration of the Sacrament.  

As a parent of a child in Year 3 or Year 2,  you have a child eligible to make one of the Sacraments this year. For Year 3 students, their Sacraments will be completed in Term 3 and for Year 2 students their Sacrament will be in Term 4.

Catholic children in Year 3 will be able to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation / Confession) as well as the Sacrament of Eucharist (First Holy Communion) in Term 3. Due to the Sacrament of Reconciliation being pushed back in 2024, it will be caught up this year in conjunction with the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. For Catholic children in Year 2, they will be able to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation/  Confession) in Term 4.  If you have a child who for some reason has missed out on making one of the Sacraments they are able to enrol in the Parish programme where required. 

Please find attached an overview of the Parish Sacramental Preparation calendar for 2025. 

Generally, the parish preparation catechesis sessions will take place following or during the 8.30 am Sunday Mass, 4-6 weeks prior to the celebration of the Sacrament. During this preparation time, the children will have a preparation book which they will work through with their family at home and then come to meet with Fr. Thaddeus on Sunday mornings to discuss what they have been learning. 

If you wish to enrol your child for one of the Sacraments, please complete the Parish Census and Information form and return it to school. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at school for any further information. 

Thank you,

Katie McMeniman

Religious Education Coordinator

(Year 3 students)

(Year 2 students)