Our Catholic Identity
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop - Feast Day
On 8 August, we celebrate the feast day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary MacKillop was born in Melbourne in 1842 and died in Sydney on 8 August 1909. She took the religious name Mary of the Cross and since her canonisation she is known as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
Mary saw the needs of poor children living in remote areas of Australia and founded the Sisters of St Joseph in 1866 to provide education for these children. She and the Sisters shared the life of the poor, offering special care to women and children in great need. She is remembered for her eagerness to discover God's will in all things, for her charity, care and compassion for others, and for her trust in God.
Father Patrick has invited Year 5 and their Kindergarten buddies to celebrate Mass at 12 noon next Tuesday 8 August. All are most welcome.
Fr Patrick has invited Years 2, 3, 4 and 6 to celebrate this significant event with a mass in the Church at 9:30am next Thursday 10 August. All are most welcome to attend. Fr Patrick will visit Kindergarten and Year 1 students and teachers in their classrooms following Mass.
We are all challenged to be more like Mary each day by:
“Never seeing a need without doing something about it”.
2023 St Joseph's Parish Sacramental Dates
First Holy Communion - Urgent Update
Fr Patrick has made a change to the Year 3 2023 First Holy Communion dates. Please see details below:
- Sunday 13 August 8:30am and 5:30pm masses and bookings remain unchanged.
- Sunday 20 August and 27 August have changed to Sunday 10 September and 17 September both the 8.30am and 5.30pm masses. Families that have booked for either of these dates must rebook via the link below.
Fr Patrick has warmly invited any Year 3 parents and children to read at the First Holy Communion masses along with the presentation of the Gifts (Offertory Procession). Please email the school office if you and your child would like to participate in this way.
In preparation for the sacrament of First Holy Communion Year 3 students will attend Reconciliation this Thursday 3 August at 9:30am in the Church with Fr Patrick and Fr Anthony. They will also participate in a ‘First Holy Communion Retreat Day’ next Thursday (10 August) at school facilitated by the Year 3 teachers. Students wear their normal sports uniform on this day.
Sacrament of First Reconciliation - Year 2
Sacramental Parent Prayer Evening - Year 2
Fr Patrick has invited ALL Year 2 parents whose child/ren are making the Sacrament of First Reconciliation 2023/First Holy Communion 2024 in the Bulli Parish to attend a Parent Prayer Evening in the Church on Wednesday 1 November at 6pm.
This is for parents/carers only (not children). On this evening enrolment forms will be handed out. Note: Please be aware that a copy of Baptismal Certificates are required with enrolment form.
Sacrament of First Penance (Year 2) Date Change
Term 4 Week 6 - Thursday 16 November at 9:45am in the Church
Mrs Christine Smith
Religious Education Coordinator