Religious Education

Parish Bulletin

Last week, I introduced the importance of gratitude and empathy in both our personal and professional lives.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

What are you grateful for?

At St Therese School, our first couple Whole School Masses will be:

• Commencement Mass for Years 1-6 at St Agatha’s Church on Wednesday 10th February 2021 at 11a.m
• Ash Wednesday Mass for Year 1-6 in the school hall on Wednesday 17th February 2021 at 9:30a.m

At present, we are still limited to these celebrations being attended by students and staff only. We hope to be able to invite the wider school community to liturgical celebrations once restrictions are further eased.

A permission form for the Commencement Mass was sent on Operoo last week. Please complete this ASAP.

Many parents have contacted me to discuss the Sacramental Ceremonies for students who prepared for Reconciliation and First Eucharist last year.

The advice from the St Agatha’s Parish is as follows:

FIRST RECONCILIATION 2020: For those children who prepared in 2020 and have not received their First Reconciliation. First Reconciliation will be held on Saturday 20th February after 9.30am Mass. Please contact Sr Mary on 5996 1985. 

FIRST COMMUNION 2020: Ceremonies will begin for those children who have completed their Preparation for this Sacrament in 2020 from the 13th & 14th February 2021 until August 2021. Five candidates per Mass and families will need to make TWO separate bookings. Book First Communion date for your child’s ceremony AND book Mass attendance for the family online via our parish website. Parents and children are encouraged to attend Reconciliation prior to the ceremony. 

FIRST RECONCILIATION 2021: Information Session and Parent Workshop: Wednesday 10th February at 7.00pm or Thursday 18th February (changed due to Ash Wednesday) at 7.00pm at St Agatha’s School Hall. Parents need to attend only ONE session (no need to bring your child). For enquiries, please contact Sr Mary on 5996 1985. 

A Sacramental Timetable was shared via Operoo and is included in the newsletter again this week for your reference. Please note that some dates have changed since last year.

Please also refer to the attached Parish Bulletin for any additional information surrounding the Sacraments.

The reception of the Sacraments in the St Agatha’s Parish, which includes our St Therese students, is as follows:

• Year 3 - Reconciliation
• Year 4 - First Eucharist/Communion
• Year 6 - Confirmation

For some students that have missed receiving the Sacraments during the above-mentioned years, they are welcome and invited to receive the Sacraments in their current year level. You may contact Sister Mary on 5996 1985 regarding this matter or myself on 5996 7525 or mhinds@sttcbourne.catholic.edu.au.

Altar Servers Training

There will be opportunity for students to become altar servers to assist in the celebration of Mass. If your child is interested in becoming an altar server, training is scheduled for Tuesday 16th March 2021 from 4-5p.m at the St Agatha’s Church. Registration forms will be distributed to any interested students in the coming weeks.

Grow in gratitude and empathy.

Michelle Hinds