St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Bulli

    Catholic Identity

Sacramental Preparation Evening 

Thank you to the parents and carer's who attended our information evening for the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of First Communion. We, as teachers, prepare the students for the Sacraments in class through Units of Work and we encourage all families to make an extra effort in attending Sunday Mass (8:30am and 5:30) so as to fully spiritually prepare the students for these Sacraments.  

 

If you were unable to attend on the night, please contact the Parish office to obtain an enrolment form and important information about the Sacrament. Please return your completed form to the Parish Office or at one of the Bulli Masses. We ask you to contact the Parish office to ensure clarity of information and that all forms are distributed and received in one place.

 

The Parish Office Hours are:

Tue- Fri 9:30am - 3pm

 

Changes to the Parish Office Hours from 6 June are:

Wednesday & Friday: 8.30am to 3pm

Thursday: 2pm-5pm

Year 6 Parish Mass- This Sunday! 

Year 6 students and families are invited to attend a special Mass just for Year 6 on Sunday May 25 at 8:30am. Students are encouraged to actively participate through the readings, offertory, collection and welcoming. Please inform me if your child is able to participate. 

Parable of the Lost Sheep: A book reading by Bishop Brian Mascord

The Council of Catholic Schools Parents (CCSP) warmly invites all families to join Bishop Brian Mascord in a very special online reading of the classic Bible story ‘The Parable of the Lost Sheep’.

 

This unique online event, organised as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, will take place on Tuesday 27 May from 7.00 pm to 7.30 pm.

 

The first 100 registrations for the reading will be posted a free copy of the book to read along with Bishop Brian!

Additional dates for your diary: 

  • Thursday 5 June (11:50): Year 2 Parish Mass- All families are welcome to attend 

  • Thursday 12 June  (11:50): Kinder and Year 5 Buddy Parish Mass- All families are welcome to attend

  • Thursday 19 June (11:50): Year 1 Parish Mass - All families are welcome to attend

  • Sunday 22 June (8:30am): Family Mass with the Choir- All families are welcome to attend

  • Thursday 26 June (11:50) Year 4 Parish Mass - All families are welcome to attend

  • Wednesday 30 July at 7:00pm: Confirmation with Bishop Brian (Option 1)

  • Thursday 31 July at 7:00pm: Confirmation with Bishop Brian (Option 2)

  • Sunday 17 August at 8:30am or 5:30pm: First Holy Communion

  • Sunday 24 August at 8:30am or 5:30pm: First Holy Communion

What can I do at home to prepare my child for the Sacrament of Confirmation?

This is a question that is asked more frequently and I thank those who have asked this important question. 

 

I encourage you to spend some time with your child discussing what they are learning about in class, as well as highlighting the importance of becoming an Adult in the Catholic Church. Take some time also, researching Saint names that your child may wish to choose. 

 

Some suggested ideas:

 

Blessed Carlo Acutis: Carlo’s Canonization was delayed due to the passing of Pope Francis. Carlo Acutis died at the age of 15 and will be one of the youngest Saints and will be the first Millennial Saint. Carlo created a website, using his knowledge of coding to tell others about Eucharistic Miracles around the world. He did this because he wanted others to know that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist and how important Mass is.

 

St. Maria Goretti: Known for her courage, purity, and forgiveness. She is a powerful example of standing up for what is right, even in difficult circumstances.

 

St. Francis of Assisi: A lover of nature and all creatures, he embraced a life of simplicity and service to the poor. He reminds us of the importance of caring for God's creation and showing kindness to everyone.

 

St. Joan of Arc: A young woman of great faith and bravery who followed God's call to lead her people. She exemplifies courage, conviction, and listening to one's inner voice.

 

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (The Little Flower): She found holiness in everyday, small acts of love and kindness. Her "Little Way" teaches us that even ordinary things can be done with extraordinary love for God.

 

St. Peter: One of Jesus' closest disciples and the first Pope. He was a strong leader, despite his moments of doubt, and reminds us of the importance of faith and following Jesus.

 

St Mary of the Cross Mackillop: An inspiring Australian woman who dedicated her life to helping the poor and providing education for children, especially those in rural areas. She co-founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart and showed great courage and determination in the face of challenges. Mary MacKillop's story reminds us of the importance of serving others and making a difference in our own communities. “Never see a need without doing something about it.” 

 

St. Sebastian: A brave soldier in the early Church who was secretly a Christian. When his faith was discovered, he faced persecution with great courage and strength. St. Sebastian is often seen as a symbol of resilience, faith under pressure, and standing up for one's beliefs, even when it's difficult. His story reminds us to be strong in our faith, no matter what challenges we face.

We join in prayer to welcome Pope Leo XIV. 

Pope Leo XIV brings with him a spirit of humility, deep wisdom, and a clear passion for the Gospel. While firmly grounded in the teachings of Christ and the traditions of the Church, his approach will echo what so many young people are yearning for: authenticity, compassion, and courage. He’s known for walking alongside the marginalised, for his quiet strength in the face of global challenges, and for speaking to the heart with kindness and clarity. For our Catholic school communities, this kind of leadership matters. It models the very values we aim to instil in our students: Hope, Integrity, Justice, and Compassion. 

 

On Sunday, we joyfully witnessed the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. His inaugural homily, delivered in St. Peter's Square offered a powerful message that resonates deeply within our Catholic school community. Pope Leo centered his address on the fundamental importance of love and unity. Drawing on the image of a shepherd caring for his flock, he highlighted the vital connection between loving God and loving our neighbour. As a Thriving Catholic school community, Pope Leo's message serves as a powerful reminder of our own mission. We are called to be a place where love and unity flourish, where we support and care for one another, and where we look to Christ as our guiding light, our beacon of hope! Let us embrace Pope Leo's call to action, striving to live out the love of Christ in our classrooms, our homes and our wider community.  

 

I invite you to read Pope Leo’s full homily HERE

 

Heavenly Father,

You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter.

Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him.

Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven.

Grant him wisdom to discern Your will,

Courage to fulfill it,

And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ.

 

We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary,

And to the prayers of all the saints.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

Welcome, Pope Leo XIV. We’re with you, and we’re praying for you.

“Let us be people of peace, builders of bridges, and bearers of hope.” – Pope Leo XIV

 

Raising Hope – Laudato Si' Week 2025

This week, we observe Laudato Si' Week, a special time to reflect on the powerful encyclical, Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home. This message resonates deeply with our values, urging us all to take meaningful action in caring for our planet and our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.

 

We will be holding a special prayer on Friday to acknowledge Laudato Si' Week and to recommit ourselves to this important mission. We warmly encourage all families and students to participate in this moment of reflection and solidarity.

 

Pope Francis's call to "hear both the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor" is a challenge and an invitation. Let us use this week as an opportunity to consider how we can each, in our own ways, respond to this urgent and beautiful call.

 

What will YOU do this week?  

 

Year of Hope Passports

This week, I was astounded when Riley enthusiastically told me about the mini pilgrimages he had been on to fill up his “Year of Hope” Passport. He and his family have visited 3 churches so far and spent some time praying in all of them. 

 

Well done Riley and his family. 

I wonder if anyone else has stamped their Passport this week? 

 

 

 

 

Finally, considering our Vision and Mission I encourage you to reflect on what an incredible school St Joseph’s is, and how well we go about to achieve this shared Vision and Mission. 

 

OUR VISION

Our vision at St Joseph’s is to ignite in all our students the passion for learning with a Catholic ethos.

 

OUR MISSION

Our mission at St Joseph’s is to develop in our students:

 

Active and creative minds

Understanding and compassion for others

Courage to act upon their beliefs

 

We are guided in our mission by the example of Jesus and we surround our students with the traditions of our Catholic faith.

 

 

 

Mr Alexander Walker

Religious Education Coordinator