Our Catholic Community

Ash Wednesday Celebrations

Last Wednesday 17th February, our school community from Kinder to Year10 gathered in the hall for an Ash Wednesday Mass. Fr Vic presided over the Mass and reminded us that Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent.

The marking of the ashes on our foreheads (or in the case of COVID safe, a sprinkling of ashes) on Ash Wednesday is an expression of our faith and a sign that we are asking God for forgiveness.

Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and giving to others. When we pray, we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise our baptismal promise to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting helps us remember the needs of 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. It reminds us of our blessings and allows us to give thanks for all that God has given us. We think especially of all those around the world who have been affected by the COVID-19 virus. 

This Lent, what you are going to pray for? What are you going to give or give up? And how will you can make a difference to others, or the environment? 

As we prepare for Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar, let us remember Jesus’ messages of love and mercy, and ask God to bless us so that we can ‘Be More’ in our own lives and in the lives of others. 

Caritas Australia Project Compassion

Each year Project Compassion brings together thousands of Australians in schools, parishes and the community to stand in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable communities, to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. By beginning to understand the issues of injustice and by witnessing the positive changes in the lives of people experiencing poverty, students can develop a deepening empathy and lifelong solidarity with people all around the world. 

To make a donation to our St Philomena's Fundraising Page, follow this link: https://lent.caritas.org.au/t/stphilomenascatholicschoolmoreeteampage

During Lent, students will learn about the work of Caritas Australia and will hold a day of fundraising and awareness building, more details to follow.

200 Years of Catholic Education

Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta in October 1820.

The first Catholic school in Australia was founded in October 1820 by Irish Catholic priest Fr John Therry and run by convict and lay person George Marley. The school, which Catholic historians believe was in Hunter Street, Parramatta, taught 31 students. By 1833, there were 10 Catholic schools in the colony. 

Our School will celebrate with a Mass on the Feast Day of Our Lady Help of Christians on the 24th of May.

Sacramental Programs for 2021

Please note the following dates which have been identified for the Parish Sacramental Programs for 2021.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation: Thursday 9th September 2021 at 6pm

First Reconciliation is for all eligible students in year 2 and above.

Sacrament of First Holy Communion: Sunday 7th November at 11:30am

First Holy Communion is for all eligible students in year 3 and above.

Sacrament of Confirmation:  Sunday 6th June at 11:30am

Confirmation is for all eligible students in year 5 and 6.

Please contact St Francis Xavier Parish Centre on 6752 2886 for any additional information.