Religious Dimension
Sacraments
We feel very fortunate to be able to celebrate sacraments once again. The following sacraments were celebrated in the past two weeks after being rescheduled several times. Thank you to Fr Dispin for allowing these celebrations to take place and to the parents who have supported the Sacramental Program by participating in recorded interactive Parent Information Evenings with their children and being extremely understanding and accepting of the present situation.
Baptism
Congratulations to Evie and Harry who celebrated their Baptism the week before last. We wish you every blessing for your faith journey.
Reconciliation
Congratulations to the following students who celebrated the sacrament of Reconciliation on Thursday 11 November: Sebastian, Alexander, Eleonora, Bella, Kirralee, Lachlan, James, Kimberly, Samantha, Mazwell, Elodie, Lila, Ava, Ethan, Isabella, Zac, Frances, Jackson, Sheridan, Eliot, Scarlett, Felix, Genevieve and Evie G.
Confirmation
As the name implies, the Sacrament of Confirmation confirms or strengthens the new life received at Baptism. As Bishop Tomlinson made the sign of the cross on the candidate's forehead using an oil called chrism, he said (using the candidates Confirmation name) "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." Although the Holy Spirit is received at Baptism, Confirmation focuses on this gift by recalling the promise of Jesus to send the Spirit. Confirmation is often regarded as a sign of maturity. Having been baptised as a baby, the youth is now called upon to make a more mature commitment to the Gospel. Confirmation underlines our commissioning to be bold, apostle-like witnesses to the Gospel.
Congratulations to the following students who celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday: Zarah, Elizabeth, Hayden, Daiah, Zoe, Sophie, Zara, Isla, Declan, Bartek, Kieran, Oliver S, Oliver T, Abbey and Archie. May the Holy Spirit be a comfort and guide for you throughout your lives.
Thanksgiving Mass
We are pleased to inform you that our tradition of Thanksgiving Mass being held in the evening will be able to go ahead this year as originally planned on Tuesday 14 December at 7:00pm. All school families are invited to attend.
Year Six graduation will follow Thanksgiving Mass for families of Year Six students. Students will need to attend school on Wednesday 15 December which will be the last day of the school year for all students.
2022 Parish Planning Meeting
Last Tuesday leaders from St John’s, St James and Our Lady’s school and parish office staff had our first combined meeting. The main purpose of the meeting was to plan all Sacrament dates, school masses and events for 2022. It was lovely to meet our third school and our partner parish with everyone happy to share and work together. This collaboration will help Fr Dispin to better share his presence at the schools and the two parish communities.
Parish Masses
Daily Mass:
Tuesday - Friday
10:00am Full Vaccination with proof of status
From yesterday, no more bookings are needed to attend
Saturday 6pm and Sunday 8.30, 9.45, 11.15am Mass
ENTRY REQUIREMENT FULL VACCINATION
Bookings will be requested only to attend the Sunday 5pm Mass
ENTRY FOR NON VACCINATION STATUS
Click on this link https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/832182?bof=1 to book.
How to book: Visit the parish website www.stjohnsmitcham.com.au or phone 9401 6366 or 0402 330 128.
Monica O'Shannassy
moshannassy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au