Religious Education News 

Dear Parents and Guardians

Last Friday, the Year 6s experienced their special Reflection Day. A day where they were given time to reflect upon their individual gifts and how they could make a difference in the future. The students commenced the day with Mass and then Fr Jerome spent some time with them discussing ‘What are saints? Why are they called saints? What is heaven? Along with many other important questions. After snack, the students shared their saint findings with the class and were also given time to think about “How will they make their mark in this world?” Just before lunch, the students introduced themselves to Bishop Ireland and discussed the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Students enjoyed a delicious bbq lunch with fresh fruit. The afternoon was devoted to practice in the church for the Sacrament.

The day was enjoyed by each and everyone and proved to be very beneficial.

Well done Year 6s.

Confirmation

This week we congratulate the 15 Confirmation Candidates who were conferred by Bishop Tony Ireland on Tuesday evening. We continue to pray for them as they embark on another stage of their faith journey. Congratulations to each and everyone of you!

The Candidates were: Ivy A, Oliver B, Anabela D, Enzo D, Cara D, Ezrah E, Kaylen G, Carla H, Emelie K, Zachary L, Walter M, Annabelle N, Daniel N, Paul R, Mateo Y. 

Thank you to all the families for their support along the way.

Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross. 8th August 2022

Who is Mary MacKillop?

Mary Helen Mackillop was born on January 15, 1842, in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne. She was the eldest of eight children and was educated by her father who spent years studying for the priesthood in Rome. Unfortunately, her father suffered from ill health and returned to Scotland until migrating to Australia in 1835.

From the age of 16, Mary supported the family by working as a clerk, a governess and a teacher. During this time she met Father Julian Tenison Woods, who wanted help in educating children of children of the outback.

Then, after finding inspiration in Father Woods, Mary and Julian opened the first Saint Joseph's school in a stable in Penola. She was joined by many young women including her two younger sisters.

On March 19, 1866, Mary wore a simple black dress during the Feast of St Joseph and she became known as Mary, Sister of Joseph. It was then the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph began.

Then, on August 15, 1867, Mary took her views in a tiny Adelaide chapel and officially became a nun - Mary of the Cross.

How did Mary Mackillop Influence the Catholic Church?

Mary Mackillop had a profound effect on the Catholic Church. In fact, many people are still living in the spirit of her life today. There are roughly 886 Josephite Sisters now living and ministering throughout Australia and the wider world. Mary also had such a great impact on people that charities have been set up in her name.

For example, there is the Mary Mackillop Foundation, which provides relief to the poor, sick and disabled. Furthermore, Mary's influence went as far as to ingratiate more women into the church. In fact, because of her influence, there are more women in leadership positions than ever before. So revered is she that people pray to Mary in times of desperation and need.

We pray that we are inspired by Mary’s work, to support those less fortunate than ourselves. Mary of the Cross, pray for us.

15th August 2022

As we approach the middle of August, we remember the Feast of the Assumption.

Catholics traditionally celebrate Mary going to heaven. The tradition is that 'God took Mary, body and soul, to heaven after her life on earth had come to an end'.

Hail Holy Queen - a common prayer prayed to Mary.

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, 

Hail our life, our sweetness and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve. 

To you do we send up our sighs, 

mourning and weeping in this valley of tears 

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb,

Jesus.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, pray for us O Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Thank you everyone

God Bless

Carmel Vozzo

Education in Faith Leader