November is the Month of Holy Souls.

During this month we remember and pray for people who have died. It’s a wonderful time to share stories of family members who have passed.

All Saints’ Day - Monday November 1

One of the most beautiful traditions of the Catholic Faith is the celebration of the lives of the Saints. Not only do these men, women and children give us inspiration by the way they lived their faith, and often died for it, they also continue to offer us help in our daily lives. Though it is common to say ‘rest in peace’ to someone who has died, for saints there is no rest after death! They are expected to keep busy and many of them are credited with hundreds of miracles.

All Saints’ Day can be traced to the earliest Christians. By the third century, the followers of Christ were annually honouring their brothers and sisters who had given their lives (been martyred) while witnessing for and defending Jesus Christ. All Saints’ Day is a solemnity and holy day of obligation on which the universal Church honours the martyrs, the saints and the confessors, including all known and unknown, all who have gained the reward of heaven.

On All Souls’ Day - Tuesday November 2

On this day the universal Church prays for all those in purgatory, people who were much like us, whose offence may have been less than ours. By pleading for them, we are inspired to lead purer lives. Here is a prayer that we pray for people who have died.

Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Need some Soul food?

Check out this recipe for All Hallows’ Eve Soul Cakes:

All Hallows' Eve Soul Cakes

Calling all Angels

Over the last two decades, Angels have become increasingly popular in books and movies. Angels are often referred to in the Bible and have played important roles in the story of our faith. The word ‘Angel’ is from the Greek, “aggelos,” and means “messenger.” An angel appeared to Mary to tell her the good news that she would be the Mother of God. This is known as the Annunciation of Mary. (Luke 1:26-38)

From CathFamily here is a lovely craft idea on how to make beautiful angel wings.

Click on this link to make practical and cost effective angel wings:

What exactly are angels? Here is some information and interesting stories from CathFamily about angels, archangels, guardian angels. “As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness” CCC, 330; Dan 10:9-12)

What are Angels and where do they come from?

Tradition tells us that God’s creative outpouring in creation not only fashioned the physical world with its physical beings, but also created beings that were pure spirit. Called ‘angels’ these beings do not have a physical body or gender and exist outside of space and time. They are a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual world.

Myth #1 We become angels in heaven

Whilst this is an oft-repeated myth, our loved ones who pass on do not become angels when they die and go to heaven. They are human souls living in the light and joy of the presence of God in heaven with the angels. These souls in heaven are able to intercede for us and in that way act powerfully here on earth, but they are not angels.

Myth #2 Angels are cute, chubby, cherubs with wings

Unfortunately, many powerful aspects of Christianity have become ‘domesticated’ in the 19th and 20th Century, angels among them. They are often portrayed as chubby, winged toddlers or dainty, slim adolescent girls.

If you look at the Old Testament stories, any time someone encountered an angel, they were overwhelmed in terror and awe. Angels are less like cherubs and more like large, brawny, spiritual, secret service agents, or if you want, the winged warriors often depicted in Byzantine Icons. Their role is to protect us from spiritual dangers (and in some instances, physical dangers too).

Angels don’t necessarily need wings either. They are spiritual beings and so their nature is what is called in theology ‘sublime’ meaning they can occupy any part of space and time, and therefore ‘fly’ between locations.

Here is an old favourite angelic prayer that you may like to pray with your family.

Angel of God

Angel of God,

my guardian dear,

to whom God’s love commits me here,

ever this day be at my side,

to light and guard, to rule and guide.

Amen.

World Teachers Day

We celebrated our wonderful staff with prayer last Friday acknowledging all that they do for the students, school and parish.

Here are some beautiful comments from some of the Kinder and Year 1 children about their teachers:

Max KB: My teacher reads us books using funny voices.

Zoe KW: My teachers help me when I’m learning new things.

Eden & Stella KG: Our teachers are great because we can read stories and write long stories.

Thomas 1G: My teacher is fun and kind.

Joe 1W: My teacher cares for me and helps me when we make mistakes.

Georgia1B: My teacher helps with our learning and we do lots of Art!

Family Mass

Thank you to our Year 2 families who did a magnificent job in leading the Parish in prayer two Saturdays ago. A big thank you to Josephine Sadhani and Ally M (Yr 6) for staying on from the 4pm Mass to provide music for us all at 5.30pm.

*Everyone is invited to the next Family Mass on Saturday 26 November at 5.30pm.

At this Mass we will be welcoming our 2023 Kindy families with Year 5 families leading us in prayer. The 2023 kindy children will receive a special Prayer Space Prayer Pack which contains symbols of our faith (including Prayer Stones made by Year 5 students) allowing them to set up their very own prayer space at home.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation Program concludes this week and I ask you to pray for the Year 2 students who will receive the Sacrament of Penance next week.

May God help them to be more forgiving and to make the best choices in their life.

Gingerbread House Making Night

Wednesday 30th November 6.30pm - 8.30pm Keller Hall

Don’t forget to order your Gingerbread Kits!

Note: Last day for ordering is Monday November 7!

We are getting ready for Christmas! This is an adult’s only event in Keller Hall on Wednesday 30th November from 6.30pm - 8.30pm but home kits are available if you want to make it a family affair at home. To keep the cost down you are asked to BYO lollies to the event this year. And BYO refreshments although tea and coffee will be provided on the night. Each kit costs $37 and includes the house kit, board, Royal icing bag, ribbon, cellophane and a prayer card.

Fill out the order form that was sent to you via Compass and start buying your lollies!

Friday Fatima Friends

Fatima Friends is growing! Lots of fun is being had as we make friends, learn to take turns and play happily together. The weather was particularly kind to us as we watered the OLF vegie garden. Here are the dates and activities for the next few weeks. See you in Week 7!

Week 7- 25th November - Music mania in the Music Room

Week 8 - 2nd December - Christmas fun

Week 9 - 9th December - Christmas fun

N.B Due to various commitments there will be no playdates in Week 4, 5, 6 and 10.

Here are some photos of last Friday’s gardening experience.

Wishing you happy times sharing stories and memories when remembering the people in our lives who have gone to God.

Tracey Bowler | Family Educator

tracey.bowler@syd.catholic.edu.au

OSHC and OLF Preschool

OLF Long Day Care, Pre-school and Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC)

OPEN DAY for the new Our Lady of Fatima SCECS Pre-School and Long Day Care

Before and After School Care - OSHC

Before and After School Care - register here

OLF Preschool and Long Day Care Centre