Catholic Identity and Mission 

Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday 21st February was Shrove Tuesday.  I wish to thank the Year 12 Youth Ministry and Year 12 VCAL along with Mr. Jonathan Bowman who made and sold a great many pancakes at recess and lunchtime. We are awaiting the final tally, but all proceeds are going towards the Project Compassion - Turkey and Syria earthquake fund.  Thank you to all of you who bought pancakes on the day!

Caritas Project Compassion Launch

Last Tuesday, Scott Blencowe and I took our Student Mission Team (Captains and Justice Captains) to Lavalla in Traralgon for the launch of Project Compassion. 

The theme for this year’s project compassion is ‘For all Future Generations’. We heard from guest speaker, Nicole from Project Compassion who told us how some of the money raised gets used and what countries benefit.

We took part in a liturgy led by Bishop Greg Bennet. College Captain Alessi Green, accepted a Caritas candle for our school and we enjoyed a pancake morning tea.  It was nice to see our students mingle with other leaders from our Diocese.  Thank you to Scott for driving the bus. It’s always nice to see Bishop Greg so happy to pose for a photo - and share a joke!

Project Compassion Fundraising

Don’t forget our Project Compassion Fundraising running for Lent. 

MONDAYS – Soft drinks $2

FRIDAYS – Zooper Doopers $1

All money raised will be dedicated to the people of Turkey and Syria and those affected by the New Zealand Cyclone.

Ash Wednesday/Opening Mass 

Last Wednesday we held our Ash Wednesday/Opening Mass. 

The Mass was a great celebration and students all looked great in their summer uniforms.  Fr Stanly was very excited to be celebrating his first Mass with us as the new Parish Priest of Leongatha, supported by Fr Darren from the Wonthaggi Parishe.

I am very appreciative of the the many wonderful staff who helped get ready for this celebration.

Badges Ceremony

After Mass, we held the Captains' Badges Ceremony.  We gave out certificates to all Class Captains in lieu of their badges (they are coming and will be given to them in a sub-school assembly).

It was wonderful to see all our captains proudly come up and get their badges and give their captain pledges. Congratulations to them all!

Year 7 Welcome Mass 

On Wednesday, March 8th we will celebrate the Year 7 Welcome Mass at 6.30pm in Pioneer Hall.

All year 7 students are invited with their families to attend.

During this Mass, Year 7 Class Captain badges will be blessed and students will be awarded their badges and a certificate. 

At the conclusion of Mass, a light supper will be available, and Year 7 homeroom teachers will be available to meet and have a chat with families.

Pope Francis’ Lenten Message

Below is a link to Pope Francis’s message for Lent 2023. Lenten Penance and the Synodal Journey

World Day of Prayer: March 3, 2023

World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women who welcome all to join in prayer and action for peace and justice.   

Services are held throughout the world on or near the first Friday in March.  

The theme is God's promise in the letter to the Ephesians, which is an invitation to active listening, which is the ground of our prayers. 

Below are some prayers you may wish to pray.

Merciful God, Taiwan is caught in a superpower struggle. It has been isolated internationally for decades. Though not officially recognised by the international community, Taiwan has tried its best to help the world in agriculture, technology, medicine and humanitarian assistance. Please bless and prosper the people of Taiwan.  

Lord Hear us.

Loving God, you created us in your own image and blessed us. You saw that it was good. We pray especially for women and girls in Taiwan and around the world who face many pressures and obstacles in this world.  Lord Hear us.

Holy Spirit, please give us wisdom to fight for the marginalised and the oppressed, the poor and the helpless. Give us courage to speak up for them. Lord Hear us.

We ask these prayers through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Please see the Parish News attached to this newsletter for Mass times.

Just as Pope Francis says in his Lenten message, may the Holy Spirit inspire and sustain us all this Lent.