Celebration of First Holy Communion

On Sunday 28th February, children from St Joseph's and surrounding local schools came together in St Brigid's Church, Quirindi to celebrate with family, friends and parishioners - their First Eucharist.

This follows the dedication and commitment of families in attending preparation lessons each Wednesday afternoon as part of a Parish-based Sacramental Program. I'd like to acknowledge the following people who worked as a team for this special occasion: Mrs Helen Swain, Mr Luke Gunning, Mrs Dara Kerklaan (St Brigid's Catechists) and Mrs Robyn Wilson (Year 3/4 Class Teacher). Behind the scenes was our ever-supportive Parish Secretary, Ms Bern Press. Thank you one and all for your commitment to our children and the time you give of yourselves to bring about the message of Jesus. Thank you also goes to our Parish Priest, Fr Vince Amaro for his continual prayers.

Lent 2021 - 'Be more...'

“Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”

Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au

Below is the video clip giving an overview of all the stories in this year's Project.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Early in Term 2, 2021, we will be welcoming Bishop Michael Kennedy to St Joseph's School and St Brigid's Parish as part of the celebration for students receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Confirmation is about renewing a person's Baptismal promises. Originally, it was a Sacrament that preceded Holy Communion, but over time it has become a symbol of those aged between 10 and 13 moving towards adulthood and Confirmation is the sacrament which ‘seals’ or ‘reaffirms’ our baptism before we take the final step in becoming a full member of the Catholic Church – sharing in Holy Communion is a significant part of this.

Notes were sent home in Week 4 of this term regarding dates and processes for Catholic students in Year 5 and 6. Students will have received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion first. If you would like further information about this Sacrament, or any other Sacrament, please contact me at School.

Please note the following dates for Confirmation Lessons:

Weekly at 3:50pm in the Fr Stan Campbell Hall

Wednesday 10th March (Week 7, Term 1)

Wednesday 17th March (Week 8, Term 1)

Wednesday 24th March (Week 9, Term 1)

Wednesday 31st March (Week 10, Term 1)

Easter School Holidays

Wednesday 21st April (Week 1, Term 2)

Wednesday 28th April (Week 2, Term 2)

Friday 30th April - Whole Day Reflection in Fr Stan Campbell Hall

- Mass and meeting with Bishop Michael Kennedy.

Sunday 2nd May, 2021 (4th Sunday of Easter) Sacrament of Confirmation

**Please note that we are awaiting advice from the Bishop's Office regarding COVID regulations. We will update you as information becomes available**

200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia

St Joseph's School, Quirindi has a proud heritage and, as well as it being the Year of St Joseph, the students and staff have much pride in celebrating and being part of 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. The following link has some great stories and events for you to become involved in:

https://200years.catholic.edu.au/?mc_cid=87c29665f0&mc_eid=b5bf006bda

Students were given a piece of the celebration today to commemorate this special occasion.

Prayer to St Joseph

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To you God entrusted His only Son;

in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,

show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.

Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,

and defend us from every evil.

Amen.

God bless,

Mrs Wendy Rheinberger

Religious Education Coordinator

Library News

Mrs Kate Thompson