RE News with Laura Matchett

Prayer for Lenten Simplicity

Free me, Lord Jesus, from anything that obstructs my way to you. 

Clear away the clutter of petty grudges.

Remove smudges of resentment and bitterness. 

Cleanse me of thoughts filled with anger, envy, or self-pity.

Create space in my life for more kindness and less spitefulness, 

greater generosity and few self-centred needs, 

stronger compassion and weakened judgement of others.

Enlarge my heart with a spirit of gratitude this Lent, 

so that I recognise the simple gifts that lay in abundance all around me.

In your sacred name, I pray,

Amen.

Source: https:sharecatholic.comblog/free-melordjesus-from-anything-that-obstructs-my-way-to-you

Project Compassion

Ash Wednesday marked the official launch of our Project Compassion fundraising campaign for Caritas Australia.  Caritas Australia has worked hand in hand with the most marginalised and remote communities in Australia and overseas to confront the challenges of poverty for over 60 years. The theme for this year’s fundraiser is ‘For All Future Generations.’ Some inspiring stories (suitable for primary school aged children to watch) about people Caritas has assisted, can be found here: https:youtube/pquSO1uw4Zs?si=sP_aGmnRjL6AdoCM 

Each classroom has a Project Compassion donation box which we encourage all students to contribute to throughout Lent. In classes, we have talked about how Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and alms giving, as well as sacrifice. Donating to Project Compassion, even just a small amount, is a great way for children to embrace the spirit of the Lenten season. The school will be holding other fundraising events for Project Compassion throughout Lent, please keep an eye out on the school’s Facebook page and the newsletter for more details in the coming weeks.

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:

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

Monday 8th April: Annunciation Feast Day Mass TBC.

Reconciliation 2024

Thank you to the families who were able to attend last week’s reflection evening to help our students prepare to receive their Reconciliation shortly. Registrations for Reconciliation 2024 have now closed. Please be in touch with the Parish via email: SacramentalOLA@cg.org.au or by phone: 6288 1979 with any questions about the program. 

Important dates for Reconciliation are:

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:stjvwestoncreekblogspot.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.