Catholic Identity

2025 Diocesan Theme
Pilgrims of Hope: Embracing the Jubilee Year 2025

2025 ~ 2026 Sacramental Program

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Adult Faith Evening

On Thursday evening, our Sacramental families gathered in the St Mel’s Parish House Gathering Room for our Adult Faith Development session focused on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We were blessed to have Dom Poppa lead us in reflection and conversation.

Dom spoke beautifully about the role of parents as the first educators of their children, especially in faith. Using artwork as a focal point, he invited us to explore the rich symbolism within our faith story and how art helps us see God’s presence more deeply.

He reminded us that reconciliation is not a singular act, but rather a twofold journey, one that calls us to both seek forgiveness and offer it to others. Dom also reflected on the power of rituals in helping us make sense of our faith and stay connected to God and one another.

It was a thoughtful and faith-nourishing evening for all who attended.

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 on Sunday, October 26th. 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 30th 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.

Mungo Immersion ~ the Meeting Place Reflection

I’d like to take a moment to thank our staff who engaged so thoughtfully in our Staff Prayer Reflection focused on my Mungo Immersion. I felt truly blessed to have had the opportunity to participate in the Mungo Immersion and to share that experience with our staff team ~ connecting it to Indigenous culture, our Catholic faith, and the story of our school.

I’ve included my personal reflection and prayer with this newsletter as a way to continue the conversation and invite further reflection. A special thank you to Michael Chisholm from CESL for joining us last Wednesday, it was very meaningful to have the leader of our immersion present and sharing in this time together with our staff.

Mungo Immersion Prayer.pdf

"Go forth and set the world on fire"
St Ignatius of Loyola

Season of Creation ~ Our Bee Adventure

This week, I had the joy of stepping into the unexpected role of beekeeper’s assistant! When a swarm of bees chose to make their home in our Friendship Tree, our students’ sense of curiosity, awe, and care came alive. With the help of local Beekeeper Rob Guppy, the hive was safely and gently relocated, but not before sparking a beautiful moment of learning and reflection for us all.

In this Season of Creation, our bees reminded us of something deeply sacred: that all of creation is connected, and that caring for even the smallest of creatures is an act of love and stewardship. Watching the children’s faces light up with wonder, hearing their thoughtful questions, and seeing their appreciation for nature reaffirmed how naturally faith grows in moments of curiosity and gratitude.

Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si’ that, “The entire material universe speaks of God’s love.” This week, creation truly spoke through the gentle hum of bees, the excitement of discovery, and the sweet sharing of honey that followed.

Our community continues to “Bee Our Best” when we love, learn, and care for God’s creation with joy-filled hearts.

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.

This year's theme & message:

World Mission Sunday 2025 Message

The theme, inspired by Pope Francis' message for World Mission Sunday 2025 and carried forward by Pope Leo XIV, "Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples," highlights hope and unity, emphasising how we can collectively turn our faith into action.

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

Saint Anthony of Padua

October ~ Month of the Rosary

October is the Month of the Rosary, a special time in our Church to honour Mary, our model of faith, wonder and nurturing love. Through the Rosary, we are invited to reflect on the life of Jesus through Mary’s eyes ~ eyes that saw with compassion, trust, and deep faith.

Mary teaches us what it means to listen with an open heart and to say “yes” to God’s call, even when the path is uncertain. As a community, may we take time this month to pray the Rosary, to pause in gratitude, and to let Mary’s example guide us in nurturing faith, hope and love in one another.

At our recent assembly, our Year 6 students led us in exploring the prayer of the Rosary. Together, we shared our school’s Rosary beads and reflected on how prayer can help us connect more deeply with God. I shared one of my favourite Marian prayers, one my Nan taught me, full of questions, wonder, and curiosity. It sparked rich discussion among our students, reminding us all that faith is not only about belief, but also about wonder, discovery, and seeking understanding.

Upcoming 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 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, and 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 our own lives?