RE News - Laura Matchett

Welcome Our Newest Members into the Church Community
Arabella, Skye, Ahsoka and Zayn

It was a joyful occasion last weekend as we welcomed Bella, Skye, Ahsoka and Zayn into our church community through the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrated during Mass by Father Loi.

This special moment marks an important step in their faith journey.  We pray that they grow in God's love and grace, and we wish them a happy, holy life filled with faith, hope, and blessings.

Prayer to St Vincent de Paul

In honour of our Winter Woolies Day to collect donations for St Vincent de Paul, this week’s prayer is in his honour.

Noble Saint Vincent de Paul,

beloved servant of the poor,

may we follow your example and do good works

among those whom society has abandoned,

enslaved, or forgotten.

Inspire us to feed the hungry,

to love a child,

to provide comfort and medicine to the sick,

to clothe those whose garments are threadbare,

and to offer hope and our Lord’s words

to all who need respite.

Pray for us to our beloved God

that we may commit ourselves selflessly

to doing the same charitable acts

that you did all your life,

and intercede with him

that we may have the favour of his guidance

and strength and love upon this important and meaningful work. Amen.

Source: https:www.dailyprayersorg/angels-and-saints/prayers-tosaintvincentdepaul/ 

Winter Woolies Day - St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal

What a cosy day we had at school today! Our students and staff looked very warm in their winter woolies. Thank you to everyone who donated items to St Vincent de Paul today. They will quickly find their way to those in need. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

A reminder that we are always looking for donations for our hygiene station which is located in the school’s foyer area. We welcome donations of new and sealed hygiene products such as

• Oral hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes)
• Deodorant, body spray, and perfume
• Body wash and soap
• Hair care items (shampoo, conditioner)
• Face wash and skincare products
• Moisturiser and hand sanitiser
• Sanitary products
• Toiletries bags

Your donations are made into small bags which will be distributed by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Canberra Goulburn, ensuring they reach those in our local community most in need.

If you’re wondering how you can contribute, here are a few simple ideas:

• Planning a holiday? If you visit a hotel and don’t need the complimentary toiletries, consider bringing them home to donate to our hygiene station. Please ensure they are sealed.
• Shopping for yourself? Next time you’re buying a new toothbrush or bottle of shampoo, why not pick up an extra one to help someone in need?

First Eucharist

We have nine students who will be receiving their First Eucharist this weekend. Most of our students will be attending the Parish Mass this Sunday at St John Vianney’s Church at 9am. We encourage families to come along to support our students as they take this step in their faith journey. A big thank you to Father Loi and the Parish Sacramental team for their work in organising this Sacrament. I’d also like to acknowledge the work of the families of the candidates who have spent time preparing their children for this special moment. Please keep them all in your prayers.

Sacraments 2025

Registrations for the Sacrament of Confirmation for 2025 will close on Tuesday 1st July. Families of students who are eligible to make one of the Sacraments (Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation) this year are encouraged to visit the Parish website: https:stjvwestoncreekblogspot.com/ for information and registration details for each of the Sacraments. 

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 

Key dates for term 3 are as follows:

Tuesday 19th August: Confirmation Reflection evening, 5:30pm at St John Vianney’s Church

Saturday 23rd August/Sunday 24th August: Gathering Mass (any of the weekend Masses)

Wednesday 27th August: Sacrament of Confirmation, 6pm, St John Vianney’s Church, (celebrated by Archbishop Christopher Prowse)

School Masses

Please note, the previously advertised Mass for Wednesday 2nd July to be led by Year 3 has been postponed. The school will not be attending Mass on Wednesday next week.

As a school, we regularly attend Mass at St John Vianney’s Church. The choir sings at 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 any of these Masses. Dates the school will be attending Mass in term 3 are as follows:

Monday 4th August: St John Vianney’s Feast day, 9:30am (Week 3)

Friday 15th August: Assumption Feast day, 9:30am, led by Year 1 (Week 4)

Wednesday 17th September: Parish Mass, 9:30am, led by 5/6P (Week 9)