Spiritual Connections
Diocesan Theme 2026 – Seek Peace and Pursue It.
In a world marked by complexity, division, and noise, the biblical call to “Seek peace and pursue it” offers a profound and timely invitation—one that resonates deeply with the mission of Catholic Education in 2026. This phrase is not passive; it is a call to action. Peace is not merely something to hope for—it is something to actively chase, cultivate, and embody.
At the international level, peace is often spoken of in terms of diplomacy and justice. Yet, true peace begins not in treaties, but in hearts. In Australia, where diverse cultures and perspectives meet, peace must be pursued in how we listen, include, and reconcile. In our personal and professional relationships, peace is the foundation of trust, collaboration, and compassion. And in our own hearts, peace is the quiet strength that allows us to lead with integrity, respond with grace, and live with purpose.
Jesus himself was a bearer and teacher of peace. His words - “Peace be with you” (John 20:21) and “My peace I give you” (John 14:27) were not mere greetings, but gifts and commissions. He knew that peace is transformative, and that it must begin within.
For leaders, educators, students, and families, this theme is both a challenge and a compass. It reminds us that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, mercy, and love. It calls us to be peacemakers in our schools, homes, communities, and hearts.
In 2026, may we not only seek peace, but pursue it with courage, humility, and hope.
Wellsprings Reflection:
Sacred Heart 2026 Sacramental Program.
Sacred Heart Parish and Sacred Heart School wish to invite parents of any baptised child or children from Year 3 and above to discern whether their child or children will participate in the 2026 Sacramental Program. In 2026 we will be preparing for both First Reconciliation, and Confirmation and Eucharist.
The total cost for all Sacraments is $120 per child and includes First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist. This is paid once at the school office.
We are looking forward to journeying with your family.
RECONCILIATION:
Wednesday February 11th: Program Starts Parent ONLY Information Session: Faith Formation / Program Outline
Wednesday 25th March: Celebration of the Sacrament: First Reconciliation Liturgy 6pm at Sacred Heart Church
CONFIRMATION / EUCHARIST
Tuesday July 15th: Parent ONLY Information Session: Faith Formation / Program Outline
Sunday September 13th: Confirmation / Eucharist Mass at 10:30am Fr Uday.
Enrolment forms are available from the office.
Could forms please be returned by Friday, 6th February, 2026.
If you have any further questions please contact:
Sacred Heart Parish: tatura@sandhurst.catholic.org.au
Sacred Heart School: info@shtatura.catholic.edu.au.
School-Led Liturgies:
Once a term, as a school, we are rostered on to lead Sunday parish Mass at 10:30am. There are many jobs to be covered during Mass, such as readings, or bringing up the gifts at offertory time. If families would like to help with these, could you please email me at school and I will arrange for this. Our involvement in weekend liturgies is a great way of connecting with our parish community. Email: tmcdonald@shtatura.catholic.edu.au
School-Led Mass date:
Sunday 15th March: 10:30am.
Shrove Tuesday:
This year Shrove Tuesday is on the 17th February. We will be cooking pancakes for the students at school during the day. Any parents who are able to help with the cooking of pancakes, could you please let the office know. Parent helpers
will need to have a current Working with Children Check and have completed the induction module. The Induction Module is available on the school website for parents to complete.
If families are able to donate a pancake shaker this would be greatly appreciated.
Any children with dietary requirements will be catered for separately.
Project Compassion in 2026
The theme for Project Compassion this year is ‘Unite Against Poverty.’
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising appeal - one of the largest in the country. For over 60 years, it has brought together schools, parishes, communities and individuals to reflect, pray and take action, helping to create a more just world for all.
Throughout Lent, we will be raising money to donate to Project Compassion to support families in need, and to build a future for generations to come.
Each classroom will have a Project Compassion Box where children can donate money. At this week’s assembly, members of the Social Justice Leadership Team will launch our school’s fundraising effort for this year.
They will suggest some ways children/families could donate money if they wish:
· Children might ask Mum or Dad if they have any spare coins around home or in the car that can be placed in our Project Compassion box.
· Children might like to donate a part of their pocket money to project compassion.
· Children might offer to do some extra jobs around home to earn some money that can be donated.
Your support through Project Compassion helps transform lives - bringing clean water, education, healthcare and opportunities to communities facing poverty and injustice.
Every little bit helps!!
Zooper Doopers will be on sale every Friday this term, to raise money for Project Compassion.
The cost is $1.00 per zooper dooper – maximum of 2 per child.
Beginning of Year Mass
Last Friday, 6th February, Fr Joe Taylor (in Fr Uday’s absence) led our school in a beautiful celebration for our beginning of year Mass. As part of this liturgy:
· Our Grade Six Students were presented with their leadership shirts.
· Our staff were given a special blessing to as part of a commissioning ceremony.
· Each class was presented with their classroom candle for their prayer space.
Here are our fantastic Grade Six student leaders for 2026.
Term 1 Events/Dates:
Wednesday 11th Feb: Sacrament Information Evening.
Friday 13th Feb: No Mass - Fr Uday away.
Wednesday 18th Feb: Ash Wednesday Mass – whole school mass 9:15am.
Friday 20th Feb: No Mass - Fr Uday away.
Sunday 22nd Feb: First Sunday of Lent.
Friday 27th Feb: No Mass - Fr Uday away.
Sunday 1st March: Second Sunday of Lent.
Friday 5th March: No Mass - Fr Uday away.
Sunday 8th March: Third Sunday of Lent.
Friday 13th March: Gr 5/6 attending Mass.
Sunday 15th March: School Led Liturgy.
Sunday 15th March: Fourth Sunday of Lent.
Tuesday 17th March: St Patrick’s Feast Day.
Thursday 19th March: St Joseph’s Feast Day.
Friday 20th March: Gr 1/2 attending mass.
Harmony Day.
Sunday 22nd March: Fifth Sunday of Lent.
Wednesday 25th March: Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Friday 27th March: Gr 3/4 attending mass.
Sunday 29th March: Palm Sunday.
Tuesday 31st March – Thursday 2nd April:
Holy week Liturgies. Dates and times TBA.
Thursday 2nd April: Holy Thursday.
Friday 3rd April: Good Friday - no school.
Kind regards,
Tony McDonald.