Religious Dimension

Sacrament of First Eucharist 

On Saturday 2 April, St John’s celebrated one of our most important Sacraments of Initiation with our Year 4 and several other students.  Many thanks are given to Father Dispin, Trish Chaston, the Parish Sacramental Coordinator, our parish choir led by Lauren Considine (singing) and John (keyboard) with our teachers and families together as one.  A wonderful team effort helped to make everything fall into place as planned.

Thank-you also to Joelle McKay, one of our parents, who kindly gave her time to capture some special moments. Whilst viewing them, I smiled at how the people of our parish were united and gathered together singing and reflecting, to make this a memorable experience for our students.

The symbolism was highly evident during the mass, however what stood out were the students' baptism candles being alight throughout the mass, reminding us of Jesus’ everlasting presence  as they take the next step in their Catholic journey. 

 

Seeing the inclusivity of our community and how St John’s embraced older students who were now ready to make their First Eucharist along with others from  St James’ and the wider Parish, who joined us in this celebration, made me feel proud to be part of this welcoming community. Many thanks to the parents who, together with the students' godparents, showed their ongoing commitment to walk this journey of Faith with their children.

 

The reading from the Gospel of John was read at Eucharist mass,  “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone”, is as relevant today as it was back then. It is a constant reminder of the importance of forgiveness of ourselves, others and the need to pray for empathy and compassion, rather than to submit to judgment. 

 

Holy Week

This Wednesday morning, 6 April, at 10am, our students will re-enact the events of Holy week in the Mary McKillop Space. We would love you to join us.

 

There will be representatives from all year levels with some of our Year 5 and 6 students leading the main roles.  These will include The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem, The Last Supper, The Betrayal at the Garden of Gethsemane, and Good Friday. 

 

It is hard to believe we have come to the end of Term 1 and I would like to personally thank all of the families, students and staff who have helped me to feel welcome. I look forward to seeing you at the Easter celebrations coming up.

Easter and Mass times at St John's Church

Important dates for Easter at St John's Parish.

 

HOLY THURSDAY - 14 APRIL - 7:30am 

Mass of the Lord's Supper followed by quiet prayer

GOOD FRIDAY - 15 APRIL - 9:30am

Stations of the Cross - in the church

 

COMMEMORATION of the PASSION - 15 APRIL - 3:00pm

 

HOLY SATURDAY - 16 APRIL - 7:30pm 

 

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES - 17 APRIL - 8:30am, 10:30am

 

Melinda Buscema (Deputy/RE Leader)

Our Creative Action For Ukraine 

The tragic events we are witnessing in the Ukraine are continuing to shock us. We feel very helpless and want to be able to help in some way but how can we from the other side of the world. You may be thinking how can I help personally and not sure how. We are seeing wonderful support and assistance from Poland.  

Easter cards for sale in the School Office
Easter cards for sale in the School Office

 

My family heritage is Polish and I am receiving emails from my cousin, who lives a few kilometres from the Ukrainian border, describing the thousands of refugees mainly women, children and the elderly flooding in to his town called Hrubieszow. We also have contact with a Polish Priest who is a close family friend and hear of the assistance his Parish of St Peter and St Paul in the town of Kalisz, west of Warsaw, is providing.  In both these towns meals, clothing and accommodation and any medical assistance is being provided for the refugees, especially those crossing close to the border.  

 

The St John’s Card Making Group would like to support the efforts of both the towns in raising funds and donating directly and specifically to these areas. You can help us by either buying our cards or making a donation after weekday or weekend Masses in April with the exception of the Easter Weekend Masses, at the House of Books or from the Parish Office. 

 

As mentioned all funds raised will be directed to these two areas. We do hope you will embrace this initiative and support the people of Ukraine who are in such need of our assistance. Please contact me via the Parish Office or after Mass and I will be very pleased to discuss any queries you may have. 

 

Please support Monika and the team by buying cards from the school office or making a donation. Donations can also be left at the school office.  

 

We thank you in anticipation.

Monika Bredhauer on behalf or the St John’s Card Making Group