Family & Faith

Canvas of Courage - A Women’s Event - Save the Date!

The Sutherland Shire Network of Family Educators invite you to Canvas on Courage, a creative women’s night where mums can unwind and let colour tell their stories. It’s an Adults Only celebration of the incredible women who show up, stand strong, and keep going — even when life feels like a marathon. Come along, bring your friends, share some laughs, and let your creativity spill onto the canvas as you reconnect with the spark that keeps you moving forward.  

Join us for a vibrant evening filled with colour, community, and fresh courage as we honour the everyday bravery of extraordinary women.

“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Please purchase your tickets here or use the QR code and be part of something beautiful.

Please come and join me at this new exciting event from the Family Educators in the local area.  I’ll be there to meet and greet you!

We Dug Up the Alleluia at OLF!

On the first day back at school Year 6 representatives dug up the Alleluia to celebrate the Season of Easter. It was a joyous occasion reminding us that we can resume saying and singing the word ALLELUIA.

Church SPaR (Stop, Pray and Reflect)

Celebrating Mary in the Month of May

Parents and carers of students in Kindergarten - Year 3 are invited to come to a SPaR in the Church to pray to Mary with your child. Traditionally the month of May is dedicated to praying to Mary, Our Holy Mother. Our Parish Church has designated a special area in the foyer in which to pray to Mary. Children and parents are encouraged to bring a flower or piece of greenery to place in front of her statue. The prayer session will take approximately 20 minutes. Teachers will be contacting you about the date and time of the Church SPaR.  Parents are welcome to meet us at the Church. 

The Alpha Course

Would you like to assist me in introducing this program to our parent community?

I am seeking a volunteer to do a one day Alpha training day with me in August to learn about the program and then assist me in implementing it to our parent community. 

The Alpha Course is a series of interactive, free sessions designed to explore the basics of the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. Typically held over 10–11 weeks, it features food, a talk, and small group discussions where people can share thoughts on life and God.It is designed for adults, especially those with no church background or who are curious about faith. Stay tuned! It’s coming to OLF!

Please email tracey.bowler@syd.catholic.edu.au your expression of interest ASAP.

It is still Easter - Dress to Celebrate

Give your family prayer space a makeover. Dust it off and refresh it with a clean white or gold cloth. Decorate it with symbols of Easter like butterflies, coloured eggs, a cross with a white drape.

Make A Resurrection Garden

A great gift alternative to the standard chocolate, this little garden is a wonderful symbol of hope and joy for your family’s prayer space or garden. There are so many different ways of doing this, however, we kept it simple using established seedlings for the sake of time restraints which is a little more costly than raising seeds.  

Click on the Resurrection Garden link for further information.

Stations of Glory

Inspired by the Stations of the Cross which focus on the suffering of Jesus, the Stations of Glory focus on his post resurrection appearances. Using nine candles that are lit with each station, this simple, scripture based prayer is a great way to get in touch with this season. 

Relay for Life 2026 - This weekend!

The Sutherland Shire Relay For Life! 2026 marks the 25th Relay in the Sutherland Shire Community. Relay is a fun and moving experience that raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services. It’s a chance for the community to celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones we have lost and unite our community and fight back against cancer. 

The 2026 Sutherland Shire Relay For Life is scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, 2 May and Sunday, 3 May 2026. The 24-hour fundraising event for Cancer Council NSW will take place at Don Lucas Reserve, Wanda Beach in Cronulla. It is one of my favourite charity events celebrating brave and strong people.

Key 2026 Event Details:

• Opening Ceremony: 9:00am, Saturday, 2 May 2026.
• Candlelight Ceremony: 6:00pm, Saturday, 2 May 2026.
• Closing Ceremony: 9:30am, Sunday, 3 May 2026. 

Wishing all our mothers, nannas, mother figures a wonderful Mother’s Day next week and for all families continued joy in this Season of Easter.

Tracey Bowler | Family Educator