School News

Catholic Identity and Mission 

SOCIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY

 

Last Sunday was Social Justice Sunday.  The Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that “we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour”.  During the present situation in Afghanistan Pope Francis urges us to intensify in prayer, penance and fasting. 

 

“In historical moments like this we cannot remain indifferent, the history of the Church teaches us this,” the Pope said Aug. 29, after leading the Angelus, a Marian prayer.

 

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

This week we began the preparations for First Holy Communion. Please keep the children held in your prayers during this crucial time in their spiritual development. 

 

Prayer for a First Communicant

Lord Jesus Christ, bless the children coming forward to receive Holy Communion for the first time.

May this day be the step toward a life-long love of the Eucharist.

Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to you for comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship.

Thank you for their innocence and goodness.

May their hands, extended in anticipation of your body and blood, inspire all of us to cherish this sacred Sacrament.

 

Please be reminded that the next information night for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist is on Wednesday 8th September 6.15pm at Good Shepherd Church.

 

Sponsors must attend this meeting as they play a role in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

 

Please contact the parish if you have any questions or concerns.

 

CHILD PROTECTION WEEK

 

Child Protection Week (from 5 to 11 September) highlights the message that all children have a right to feel safe and protected.  National Child Protection Week is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the community to think about how we can work together to keep all children safe.

Importantly, we want to remind everyone that:

• We ALL have a part to play in protecting ALL children

• Even small actions can help to improve a child’s future

• By building stronger communities, we are creating safer environments for our children 

 

How can I start playing my part to protect children today (and every day!)?

• Be a good role model for children

• Be kind to children, parents (and yourself!)

• Take the time to really listen to children and believe them if they tell you something

• Learn about what help services are available so you can support others if they need help

• Don’t judge other parents and families; remember that we’re all trying our best

• Look out for all children, not just your own

• Be a friendly, helpful member of your local community

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to ask someone if they need help

• Check out our Tip Sheets for more ideas about how to play your part

- Leesa Waters, Deputy CEO, NAPCAN

 

As a school we provide the Keeping Safe Curriculum for all learners, it teaches children from a young age to: 

  • recognise abuse and tell a trusted adult about it
  • understand what is appropriate and inappropriate touching
  • understand ways of keeping themselves safe.

FATHER'S DAY

 

On Fathers’ Day, we remember and honour dads, grandfathers, uncles, and all the men, living and deceased, who tirelessly and selflessly gave of themselves for their families with unconditional love. It is a good time to also recall the exemplary role-model and patron saint of fathers, Saint Joseph.

 

Saint Joseph experienced the same difficulties in life we all do, yet he lived an exemplary life and established an ideal that is well-worth emulating for all fathers who have come after him. Saint Joseph was a man of compassion and caring. He was a man possessed of unwavering faith in God. He was a man who loved and protected his family. 

 

On Sunday, we honour and thank our dads for all they have done for us and for how much they mean to us, let us remember to ask Saint Joseph for his intercession on behalf of all dads and that his holy example continue to be an inspiration to all fathers.

 

CATHOLIC MISSIONS - Socktober

 

Socktober is a program exclusively run by Catholic Mission, and raises funds for programs benefiting children around the world. 

 

Each year,  a focus country to represent how the funds raised through Socktober to benefit children overseas is chosen. In addition to supporting this country, the funds raised may be distributed to our other partners in order of where the need is greatest. Examples are provided on the Socktober website of what the funds can provide, and our programs team diligently monitors and evaluates the projects we partner with in order to ensure the funds are used in a responsible and sustainable way. You can read more about our projects, as well as updates from the field, in the Our Work section of the Catholic Mission website

 

Catholic Missions have created an online fundraising site to meet the needs of a changing world which is becoming cashless and COVID safe. Our school has registered a schools donation site for families to donate any amount they wish.  This is entirely voluntary.

 

Go to the following website if you would like to donate to Catholic Missions

https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/stgabrielsschool  This is St Gabriel's School registered site with Catholic Missions.

 

Go to www.socktober.org.au  for more information about Catholic Missions.