RE News with Laura Matchett

Prayer for the Beginning of the School Year

God of wisdom and might, 

we praise you for the wonder of our being, 

for mind, body, and spirit. 

Be with our children as they begin a new school year. 

Bless them and their families, teachers and staff. 

Give them the strength and grace as their bodies grow; 

wisdom and knowledge to their minds as they search for understanding; 

and peace and zeal to their hearts. 

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reconciliation 2024

A reflection hour for parents and candidates who would like their child to make their first Reconciliation this year, is on next Wednesday, 7th February at St John Vianney’s Church at 5:30pm. Registrations for Reconciliation will close on Thursday 8th February and can be made through the Parish’s Qkr! App. Please be in touch with the Parish via email: SacramentalOLA@cg.org.au or by phone: 6288 1979 with any questions about the evening or registration. 

Important dates for Reconciliation are:

Reflection Hour: 7th February 5:30-6:30pm at St John Vianney’s Church

Gathering Masses: 2/3 March (all Sacraments)

Reflection Hour: 5th March 5:30-6:30pm at St John Vianney’s Church

Wednesday, 6th March: First Reconciliation (St Jude’s Church, 6pm)

Thursday, 7th March: First Reconciliation (St John Vianney’s Church, 6pm)

Saturday, 9th March: First Reconciliation (St Jude’s Church, after 8am Mass at 9am)

Sacraments 2024

Students who are eligible to make one of the Sacraments (Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation) this year received a formal invitation from the Parish to be part of the Sacramental program for 2024. These invitations were sent home with students last year. We encourage you to read the information (on the back of the invitation) and visit the Parish's website for more information. The Parish website is: https://stjjvwestoncreek.blogspot.com/ 

If your child is new to our school community this year and you would like them to receive one of the Sacraments, please let me know via email: laura.matchett@cg.catholic.edu.au.

Eligibility for each Sacrament is as follows:

Reconciliation - open to students who have been baptised Catholic and who are in Year 3 or above.

First Eucharist - open to baptised Catholic students who have made their Reconciliation and are in Year 4 or above.

Confirmation - open to baptised Catholic students who have received their First Eucharist and who are in Year 6 or above.

It is possible to receive more than one Sacrament in the same year, however, the Sacraments usually need to made in order (i.e. Reconciliation, followed by First Eucharist, then Confirmation). These questions and other general enquiries about the Sacramental program are best directed to the Parish Office via email: SacramentalOLA@cg.org.au 

There is a gathering Mass for candidates and their families for all Sacraments on the weekend of 2nd/3rd March. Further updates and information about the Sacramental program will be published in the school newsletter and Parish bulletin throughout the year.

School Masses

As a school, we regularly attend the Wednesday morning 9:30 am Mass at St John Vianney’s Church. The choir sings at this Mass and sometimes our students have a role in other parts of the celebration. Parents and friends of our school are welcome to join us alongside parishioners at this Mass. Dates the school will be attending Mass this term are as follows:

Friday 9th February: Opening School Mass at 9:30am - TBC

Wednesday 14th February: Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:30am

Wednesday 20th March: Parish Mass at 9:30am (led by Year 4)

Monday 8th April: Annunciation Feast Day Mass, TBC.