Catholic Identity

If there is one word that we should never tire of repeating, it is this: dialogue. We are called to promote a culture of dialogue by every possible means and thus to rebuild the fabric of society.’

               Pope Francis- Address upon receiving the Charlemagne Prize, May 6, 2016

Our Sacramental Candidates 

On Sunday our Sacramental Candidates were presented to our Parish Community as they begin their sacramental journey and preparation to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation & First Eucharist. Our Sacramental Mass will be on Pentecost Sunday this year, Sunday, May 28th. Our candidates were also presented to our school community at Flag Raising on Monday. Please keep our Sacramental Candidates in your prayers.

Lent:

The three pillars of the Lenten season are prayer, fasting & Almsgiving. Through the three pillars of Lent, we journey to develop a closer relationship with God. The 40 days of Lent should be filled with reflection, service and prayer. Ask your child about the Lenten promises they have made. Could you make a lenten promise as a family?

Some of our Lenten Promises:

Our teachers have been undertaking some Professional Development from Fr Rob Galea. Here's what he has to say about the liturgical season of Lent. 

Project Compassion 

SECOND WEEK OF LENT

This week Project Compassion, organised by Caritas Australia, presents us with the story of Tereesa, a 27-year-old indigenous woman from Western Sydney, the area with the largest urban indigenous population in the country. Tereesa became pregnant at the age of 16. With your help, Project Compassion has been able to support the Mums and Bubs program run by Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation. This allowed Tereesa to find accommodation, gain skills and continue her education. She was also able to connect with her culture. Her glorious artwork was featured on the Wulugul Walk during Sydney’s Vivid Light festival last year. Her use of light and colour transfigured the environment where it was displayed. In so many places, Project Compassion helps people to achieve their vision. Of course, the transfiguration of Jesus is unique. We hear in today’s Gospel that Jesus took his closest friends to the top of a high mountain. His face shone like the sun and his face became ‘as white as the light.’ A voice from heaven said ‘this is my beloved son; listen to him.’ Peter said how wonderful it was to be there. The transfiguration may have only lasted a few minutes but it was clear that Jesus’ friends never forgot it. Like a work of art on a wall, the memory made the world seem very different. During Lent, we are also called to transfigure the world, to make a difference.     

How can we make a difference this Lent?

Sandhurst Switches Off

Danae Napier

Deputy Principal / Religious Education Leader.

St Mels Church Bulletin