St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

Gospel: Luke 5: 1-11

They Left everything and followed him

Jesus was standing one day by the lake of Gennesaret, with the crowd pressing round him listening to the word of God, when he caught sight of two boats close to the bank. The fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats – it was Simon’s – and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch.’ ‘Master,’ Simon replied ‘we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so, I will pay out the nets.’ And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear, so they signaled to their companions in the other boat to come and help them; when these came, they filled the two boats to sinking point.

When Simon Peter saw this he fell at the knees of Jesus saying, ‘Leave me Lord; I am a sinful man.’ For he and all his companions were completely overcome by the catch they had made; so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were Simon’s partners. But Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.’ Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him.

St Mary’s Family Mass

Children’s Mass - Sunday 23rd February

St Mary’s School Mass – Get Involved! 

We have our first St Mary’s Children’s Liturgy on Sunday the 23rd February at 10:30 am

Forms were sent home on Friday for those wishing to participate. Please complete and return them to the school as soon as possible. A meeting will be held this Friday, 14th February, to begin preparations with the children who have submitted their forms.

For families new to the school, the 10:30 AM Mass on the last Sunday of each month is dedicated to St Mary’s Primary School students. The children lead the Mass with the support of the Charism team and have the opportunity to volunteer as readers or sing with the choir.

Our choir is growing, and it’s wonderful to see so many children eager to join! Any child who wishes to sing is welcome to step up to the microphones with the choir. These Masses provide a great introduction to group singing and help build confidence in preparation for joining the school choir.

Additionally, this is a fantastic opportunity for children to develop public reading skills in a church setting. Reading at Mass differs from reading in class, as it requires voice projection, proper pacing, clear articulation, and effective pausing.

Both Monique, our parish pastoral care officer, and I, Charlotte Lipnicki, support the children at these Masses. We run through the songs with the choir and listen to the readers a few days before, ensuring they are confident with their roles.

A heartfelt thank you to all families who encourage their children to participate. It is always wonderful to see familiar faces at these Masses, and we hope even more families will join us in this special school tradition.

Altar Servers

Join Our Altar Server Team!

We are looking for students in Years 3-6 who would like to train as Altar Servers!

As an Altar Server, you play an important role in supporting Fr. Greg during Mass. You will be part of the entrance and recessional processions and, most importantly, assist in preparing the gifts for the Eucharist.

If your child is interested in this special opportunity, please contact Mrs. Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au or Fr. Greg at greg.trythall@cam.org.au

We look forward to welcoming new Altar Servers to our team!

Prayer cloths

Calling All Sewers! Help Create New Prayer Cloths

We are in need of new prayer cloths for our prayer tables. The fabric has already been purchased, but we need volunteers with sewing machines who are willing to help make them.

Each class requires four prayer cloths, used throughout the year to reflect the liturgical seasons. If you can assist with this meaningful project, please contact me at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au

Your time and talents are greatly appreciated!

Sacramental Program 2025

This year the only Sacrament the school will be facilitating is the “Rite of Reconciliation”.

If you child is in Year 4 and is yet to make their “First Eucharist” please contact Mrs Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au.

Likewise if your child is in Year 6 and is yet to make their “Confirmation” please contact Mrs Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au

School Masses

Some important Dates to Remember for Term 1

All families are welcome to attend the school Masses.

At St Mary’s, students sit as a class with their teacher in reserved pews.

The Altar servers sit in the first pew to the left of the Altar. The pews to right of the Altar are reserved for the choir and music ministry.

Parents are asked to find a seat towards the back of the church and not sit in the pews reserved for the school children.