Religious Education

“Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs...”

Mk 6:7-13

Jesus sends out the disciples

Jesus advises his disciples to 'take nothing for their journey' but the bare essentials – a pair of sandals and a staff. Travelling light is clearly essential so that nothing will hold them back from spreading the Good News. Their task is like sowing seeds which others will nurture and bring to fruition.

The weekend's Gospel aligns well with our school's overarching theme this term regarding COMMUNITY.  From 'community' we are called to continue the mission of Jesus in the way we speak and act with one another, just like the Twelve before us once did, journeying in and beyond Galilee.

During this time, building community and continuing mission, we can ask ourselves:

How do I speak to others? 

How do I speak about others? 

How do I treat others? 

Do I treat others as I would like to be treated? 

How am I creating community?

Am I continuing the mission of Jesus?

Food Drive

Building and assisting our community can be authentically promoted this term through the St Vincent de Paul Food Drive.  Historically, we usually conduct a food drive around the time of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Feast Day. Unfortunately, this year we were unable to celebrate this due to the COVID lockdown and school restrictions, therefore the St Agatha’s Parish is requesting food collection for Masses held during the weekend of July 24th and 25th instead.

Consequently, we invite families to donate non-perishable food items over the next couple of weeks, if possible, so that food hampers can be made by the St Vincent de Paul Society for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Reconciliation Liturgy & NAIDOC Week

Last term, we prepared to celebrate a Reconciliation Liturgy recognising our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cultures but due to the lockdown, we postponed this event. To coincide with NAIDOC Week, we will now be conducting this event with students and staff on Friday 16th July.

Parents and carers are invited to view the 'Sea of Hands' that the students have created during pick up time on Friday afternoon.

First Eucharist Candidates 2020

FIRST COMMUNION CEREMONIES for children who have completed their preparation for First Communion in 2020.  Please contact the parish office to book your child’s ceremony date on 5996 1985. Ceremonies held every weekend until August 2021. Up to 5 Candidates per Weekend Masses Saturday 6.00pm, Sunday 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.45am & 6.00pm.  For family members and guests wishing to attend the ceremony, online Mass attendance bookings are required. These bookings can be made via our parish website. Parents and children are encouraged to attend Reconciliation prior to the ceremony.

First Eucharist Candidates 2021

All going to plan, please take note of the following dates for families interested in their children receiving the Sacrament of First Eucharist as a Year 4, 5 or 6 student in 2021. 

• Parent Information Workshops:  Weds 21st July 7:00pm OR Weds 28th July 7:00pm                                                                   (Only attend one of these workshops)
• Parent & Child Workshops:  Weds 11th August 5:00pm or 7:00pm                                                                                          or Thurs 12th August 7:00pm                                                                                                          (Only attend one of these workshops)
• First Eucharist Ceremonies:  Sunday 29th August 2:00pm                                                                                                            Sunday 5th September 2:00pm                                                                                                      Sunday 12th September 2:00pm

Reconciliation

Parents are encouraged to take their children to Church for Mass and Reconciliation, especially for those students receiving Sacraments.

Confirmation

We have been informed by the Bishop's Office that the new dates for Confirmation have been scheduled for Thursday 29th July at 4.30pm and 6.30pm and Friday 30th July at 4.30pm and 6.30pm.  Online bookings for Confirmation Masses will be open  from Sunday 11.59pm 11th July via our parish website. Please do not contact the Parish Office. Due to restrictions 5 slots per family have been allocated in the Church. Candidate, sponsor plus 3 family members. The parish hall and St Agatha’s School will be open for family members to attend via livestream. 

The Confirmation Retreat Day is scheduled for Wednesday 21st July 2021. A permission form will be sent home with the Confirmation Candidates to be completed and returned, giving them permission to attend the retreat at St Agatha's. We are hoping this will be able to go ahead, allowing both primary schools and other students to gather together, without COVID restrictions being imposed. We will keep families informed of any necessary changes.

Grow in gratitude and empathy.

Michelle Hinds