Catholic Identity

Sunday 26th of July:

Sunday 2nd of August:

Though the current restrictions meant our appeal looked a little different this year, the outcome was still a tremendous show of support for the most vulnerable in our local community – An amazing 532 donations in total! Wow!

 

What is perhaps more important is that our wonderful students, the leaders of tomorrow, have fully involved themselves in lending a hand in meaningful, personal ways, just like Fredric Ozanam did himself almost 200 years ago. The students know they're making a big difference by doing something small with their own two hands.

 

The St Vincent de Paul Society was formed so that men and women might live out the Gospel by serving people in need. Fredric Ozanam and his young companions founded the Society in 1833 in Paris, and placed it under the patronage of the apostle of the poor, St Vincent de Paul. Mini Vinnies is the student arm of St Vincent de Paul. In more settled times, our students do the collecting and collating of the donations, walk with the donations down to the centre and store them in the pantry.

 

Minnie Vinnies Prayer

Lord, Open our eyes that we may see the needs of people. Move our hands so that we can feed the hungry. Touch our hearts that they may bring warmth to those who are sad. Let us share our time and possessions with those in need. May we all be a source of support and encouragement for each other as we strive to build a more loving world. Amen

 

Thank you everyone at SHS for your wonderful contributions to the Winter Appeal this year. Also a big thank you to Roisin and Dean from St Vincent De Paul Tatura for their time and commitment to our Winter Appeal and for their work in our local community.

Grandparents Celebration 2020

Unfortunately, we are unable to have visitors at the moment which impacts greatly on one of our most special days of the year:  Grandparents Day.  Even though we won’t be celebrating Mass or having grandparents and special people visit the classrooms, students will still celebrate the enormous contribution of Grandparents while sharing in activities throughout the morning session. 

 

We celebrate our Grandparents Mass at this time of year because of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne.  Saint Joachim and Saint Anne were Mary’s parents, Jesus’s grandparents.  Their Feast Day is celebrated on July 26th each year.   

 

The parents of Mary nurtured her, taught her and brought her up to be a worthy Mother of God.  It was their teaching that led her to respond to God's request with faith, "Let it be done to me as you will”.  It was their example of parenting that Mary must have followed as she brought up her own son, Jesus. It was their faith that laid the foundation of courage and strength that allowed Mary to believe in the works of her son, Jesus. 

 

Just as Jesus would have been happy to have grandparents, we too, will think about our grandparents and give thanks for them.  We are grateful for all that they do for us and with us, for all that they teach us, for the love we share with them and the joy they bring to our lives. We are made stronger in faith when we see our grandparents serve God with joy, which is extremely important as when we are filled with joy we can share that joy with others and Jesus will rejoice with us. 

 

Instead of gathering together Friday 7th August, we ask that all school families take the time to connect with grandparents, however near or far they are. If you can, visit.  If you can’t, call.  Even better, facetime on Sunday morning in your PJs sharing a virtual cuppa or coffee!