CELEBRATING OUR FAITH
Year 9 Mass
This Friday 24 May, Year 9 will be leading the Secondary Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 9:15am. The 24 May is also the feast day of Australia's patroness, Mary Help of Christians.
All parents, family members and friends are warmly invited to attend the Mass with the Secondary classes.
Mary, Help of Christians
On May 24, we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Help of Christians, the patroness of Australia. In early colonial times, by 1844 there were only three Bishops in Australia. At their very first Synod that year, they requested the Pope to declare, as Australia’s special patron, the Mother of God under the title of ‘Mary Help of Christians’ with her feast to be celebrated on May 24.
The infant Church in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. In those early and mostly priestless days, it was praying the Rosary that kept the faith alive. Catholic Australia remained faithful to Mary, and was the first nation to choose her, under the title of Help of Christians, principal Patroness.
‘Our Lady of the Southern Cross.’ Painted by Sydney artist, Paul Newton – 2008
Confirmation
Congratulations to the 25 Confirmation Candidates who received the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation on the weekend. Bishop Michael Confirmed the students and also spoke highly of them, their knowledge and understanding of the Sacrament during his Homily.
Parent Information Session - What is prayer?
Come and find out some more about prayer and why we pray.
All are invited to attend the 45 minute session on prayer which will be held in the school library. Nibbles will be provided.
Catholic Schools Week -
27 to 31 May
Catholic Schools Week provides an opportunity for students, families, community members and all staff, to reflect on the treasure of a Catholic Education and to give thanks to all of the dedicated people who make it possible.
Please join us during CSW next week for the different occasions we are hosting.
National Reconciliation Week - 27 May to 3 June
The 2019 National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme is ‘Grounded in Truth: Walk together with Courage.’ At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community. To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in truth.
NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Next week, we will pray for the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of this land, Australia. We will gather on Monday 27 May at 9:15 in the Library Quad to pray for Reconciliation among our Nation. Students will plant a paper flower on this day representing the native hibiscus, which is a flower which is scattered all over the country and is a surviver - just like the Aboriginal people.
For the Calendar...
24 May - Year 9 will lead the Mass on Friday at 9:15am, celebrating the feast day Our Lady Help of Christians.
27 to 31 May - Catholic Schools Week & National Reconciliation Week
27 May - Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week Prayer. 9:15am in the Library Quad.
28 May - Prayer for Parents Information Session.
At 5:00pm in the Library, Tuesday 28 May, come and find out about the role of prayer within our school and why we pray.
29 May - Year 10 to Armidale for the Catholic Schools Week Mass at Cathedral.
31 May - 1/2S Prayer Celebration at 9:30am.
Enjoy the week,
Mary-Jane Guest
Religious Education Coordinator