Catholic Identity
Mercy Prayer
We pray for the Sisters of Mercy, who established our school and for the priests who have served at
St. Mary’s. It is through their vision, determination and strong faith that we enjoy the benefits of a
Catholic Education here in Mooroopna.
We are proud to be a Mercy School, where the values of love and justice are taught and lived every day.
Sacramental Program
Congratulations to all the children and their families who have enrolled in our Sacramental program for 2020. Our Reconciliation program will commence this weekend 22nd / 23rd February when the candidates will receive their program booklet at one of the Parish Masses.
The children will be working in small home groups which will commence next week.
Please keep all of these children in your prayers as they take this important step on their faith journey.
Opening School Mass
We had a beautiful Mass last Friday to celebrate the beginning of the new school year. The Mass commenced with a welcome to new staff and students and also to the Grade Six buddies as they led the new Preps into the Marian Centre. Our liturgy was led by Monsignor Peter, and together with lovely singing from the choir and students, was a very special whole school celebration.
Baptism - Parish Meeting
If you are considering Baptism for your child or would like further information the Parish of St. Mary's is holding the next Baptism Formation meeting in April. Contact Mrs Lee for further information.
Ash Wednesday Mass and Liturgy
Students from Grades Three - Six will attend the Parish Mass next Wednesday at 10.00am. Everyone is welcome to join us at this mass. Grades One and Two will have a special Ash Wednesday liturgy in the Marian Centre at 2.15 pm. Families are also invited to join us for this liturgy.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. The marking of the Ashes on our forehead on Ash Wednesday is an expression of our faith and a sign that we are asking God for forgiveness.
It is a time of prayer, fasting and giving to others. Through prayer we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise our baptismal promise to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting joins us in solidarity with the poor who often have no choice but to go without basic needs such as food, water and shelter. Giving to the poor or ‘almsgiving’ is a sign of our commitment to justice and our thanks for all that God has given us.
Lent prepares us for the season of Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar. By praying, fasting and giving alms, we are reminded of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. Jesus brought the promise of hope to all people so that we may “Have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10), so that with our neighbours, we can go further, together.
Shrove Tuesday
Next week we will mark the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday liturgies. The day before the start of Lent is called Shrove Tuesday or sometimes known as Pancake Tuesday. Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday, many Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (absolved from their sins). Shrove Tuesday, was when the eggs, butter and fat was used to ensure it was all gone for the Lenten season. The tradition of celebrating Shrove Tuesday and eating pancakes began because people wanted to use up the tempting food that they were giving up for Lent.
All classes will participate in the tradition of making pancakes with the focus on Lent and giving up something during this time. It will also launch our Project Compassion appeal with children being asked to donate a gold coin to CARITAS - Project Compassion for the pancakes.
Project Compassion
This week at Assembly we will launch our Project Compassion Appeal. Our Social Justice Team will be coordinating this appeal. Next week the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Each family will receive a Project Compassion box for their donations. Let’s Go Further, Together!
Family Mass
Our next Family Mass is on Sunday 1st March at 10.00am. This mass will be organised by the Senior Unit. Please put this date in your diary and come along to join in this special family celebration.
Calling all Altar Servers-
We are looking to train some new altar servers. We need students who would like to train as an altar server and could assist at class, school and also at Parish Masses.
Mr Rob O’Meara from the Parish would be in charge of this training.
If your child, is in Grade Four or above, and is interested please contact the School Office or Mrs Lee.