Catholic Identity

Father’s and Special Person’s Liturgy

This year’s Father’s and Special Friends Liturgy will be held on Friday, 5th September at 9:00am. We warmly thank Fr. Martin and our Year 2 students in advance for leading this special celebration.

The morning will begin with our Father’s Day Breakfast at the Basketball Courts from 7:30am. Please join us to enjoy the coffee van and delicious treats (gold coin donation). 

A big thank you to Lainie Kilpatrick (Yr 1 PnF Rep) and our wonderful PnF Team for their support in organising the breakfast. The School Choir will also perform at 8:15am.

We look forward to celebrating this joyful morning together with our St. Mary’s community!

Sacrament of the Eucharist

The Sacrament of Eucharist will be held on Saturday, the 6th of September at 2:30 pm.

EUCHARIST KEY DATES:

Our Student Reflection Day and Parent Information Session will take place next week on Wednesday 27th, August.

STUDENT REFLECTION DAY 

(8:45-3:00pm)

As part of their faith journey, our students will participate in a special Reflection Day next week to prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist. Throughout the day, they will engage in meaningful activities, songs, and prayer to deepen their understanding of this sacred sacrament. It will be a time to gather for reflection, learning, and spiritual growth as they continue to develop their relationship with Jesus. At 3pm students will then join their families at the Church for a Eucharist Information session led by Fr. Martin. 

Please note: Students may wear CASUAL CLOTHES on this day. Please ensure attire is appropriate and respectful. Students not making their Sacrament will also be taking part on the day as part of the Religious Education Curriculum.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION

(3:00 - 3:30 pm)

A requirement of the Sacramental Program is for families (e.g. parent and child) to attend the Family Preparation Session. This will be a special afternoon for you and your child to reflect on their faith journey and to come together as a family in preparation for the Sacrament. It is also an opportunity for you as parents to have an understanding of the Sacrament and what the program looks like for your child and how you can support them at home. We thank our parish priest, Fr Martin Tanti, in advance who will be leading the presentation. 

Sacramental Stoles: 

A big thank you once again to Rachel O’Haire (PnF Rep – Year 4) for kindly arranging the collection and coordinating all communications with Nancy from Nancy Creations. Sadly, Nancy is currently unwell and has had to close her online store. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nancy for her time and effort, and we keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

Alternatively, other online options for iron on adhesives include: https://www.sacramentalstoles.com.au/index.php?route=product/category&path=73https://www.catholicbookshop.com.au/p/sacramental-gifts-transfer-iron-on-my-first-communion-chalice-grapes-for-sacramental-stole 

For any further questions regarding the Sacrament of Eucharist, please feel free to reach out. 

Warm regards, 

Veronica Del Castillo 

Religious Education Leader

Family Gospel Reflection

Gospel Reading  (From Loyola Press)

Luke 13:22-30

People will come from north and south, east and west, 

and take their place in the Kingdom of God.

Family Connection

Families take advantage of certain days throughout the year to celebrate individuals in the family and to make sure that they know that they are not taken for granted. As a family, recall all of the days that someone in the family was celebrated in the past year—birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, anniversaries, graduations, and so on. 

Next, challenge each individual to recall what gifts were received on the day(s) on which he or she was celebrated.

Emphasize that these days are intended to express appreciation in a special way but are not meant to replace the appreciation that we should always show. Point out how, at times, families can take one another for granted. Explain that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus tells a story about some people who took something for granted and paid a price. Read aloud Luke 13:22-30. 

Explain that, in this story, some people took it for granted that they could enter the house whenever they wanted, but the master locked the gate and would not let them in after hours. Point out that Jesus was warning his listeners not to assume that they will have eternal life in heaven and not to take this invitation for granted.

As a family, commit to showing appreciation for one another in the days ahead, striving to not take for granted any of the many things that family members do in their roles as parents and children.