SPaR

Stop, Pray and Reflect (SPaR) returns this week. For those new to our school it is a 10 - 15 minute parent and carer prayer session, held roughly each fortnight which gives us the opportunity to be still and allow the presence of God to work in his mysterious ways. Some weeks it may go for a bit longer if there is an activity attached, however, I will notify when this is the case via the newsletter. Our next SPaR will be Tuesday 28th March, 2023 at 9am in the Parish Centre and the theme is Forgiving First. Please join us if you have 10 - 15 minutes to spare.

The SPaR calendar for Term 1 2023 is below. Lock these dates in your diary so you don’t miss out. 9am in the Parish Centre.

Date	Theme
Thursday 23rd March, 2023	Lenten Labyrinth (Centennial Park) 9:30am
Tuesday 28th March, 2023	Forgiving First
Tuesday 4th April, 2023	Easter Hope

…Pray about everything.

Tell God what you need and Thank Him for all he has done.

If you do this, the peace of God which surpasses all understanding,

Will guard your hearts and your minds….

Phil 4:6-7

Lenten Sessions - Botany Randwick

The Parishes in Botany Randwick have combined to present Lenten Sessions throughout this important time in our Liturgical calendar. It’s FREE and you can attend as many sessions as you would like. I will be co- facilitating the Stations of the Cross session with fellow Family Educators on Wednesday 5th April, 2023. It will be an outdoor walking Stations of the Cross at Sacred Heart Matraville followed by an ‘Upper Room’ experience of the Last Supper. It is one not to be missed! Hope to see as many of you as possible.

Family Mass 2023

Our Family Masses are held once a term and children from all year levels and parents will be asked to participate in the mass as Readers, Ministers etc.. (if we have any singers in our community, we would like to know about you!). Below is the schedule of Family Masses at St Margaret Mary’s for 2023. Please ensure these dates are in your diary. As we only have one Family Mass per term, it is expected all families participate and it is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community for Sunday mass followed by morning tea.

Term 1	Friday 31st March, 2023 at 9am
Term 2	Sunday 21st May, 2023 at 9:30am (tbc)
Term 3	Sunday 23rd July, 2023 at 9:30am (Grandparents Day)
Term 4	Sunday 3rd December, 2023 at 9:30am (First Sunday of Advent)

Holy Week Lego Competition

Entries are already being received and it is wonderful to see the creativity. In case you missed the Compass message, below are details about the Holy Week Lego Competition.

Calling all creative Parents and Carers

If you feel you have a creative flare or would like to try your hand at something creative, I will be facilitating a Sacramental craft workshop to make bracelets which will be sold at this years Mothers Day Stall. Workshop dates:

Monday 27th March, 2023 – 9am – 10am

Tuesday 28th March, 2023 - 9:15am (after SPaR) - 10:15am

If you are interested and would like to participate in part of, or both sessions, please email me at lucille.gravina@syd.catholic.edu.au

Lenten Labyrinth

Fr Michael will lead us through prayer at the Labyrinth at Centennial Park on Thursday 23rd March, 2023 after school drop off. To register your attendance email lucille.gravina@syd.catholic.edu.au.

We need your helping hands

As part of our Social Outreach this year, we are calling for volunteers who would like to assist in preparing and serving breakfast on a Sunday morning for those in need. This is part of the Sydney Vinnies Brekky Van Service that is offered at Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills. Refer to the poster for details. If you would like to help or would like some more information, please email me at lucille.gravina@syd.catholic.edu.au

St Margaret Mary’s Playgroup

The St Margaret Mary’s Playgroup will run every Wednesday morning from 9am – 10:30am during Term 1. From Term 2, Playgroup will move to Tuesday mornings at 9am. If you have children starting at St Margaret Mary’s in 2024 or beyond, please join us. Spread the word as there may be new families in our community who are unaware we have a playgroup at the school.

In this fifth week of Lent, Jesus says 'I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me will not die for ever.' Jesus assures us of the fullness of life and life everlasting. As we journey over the next two

weeks to the great celebrations that await us in Holy Week, help us to surrender to God in our moments of darkness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit be transformed by the love of Christ Jesus.

Go gently, every blessing,

Ms. Lucille Gravina

Family Educator

What's happening this fortnight?