St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Project Compassion

Project Compassion brings Australian schools and parishes together to raise money for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.

This year the theme is “Unite Against Poverty”.

The word “Poverty” is used to describe people who do not have enough money for food, clothing and shelter.

Some of these people go without some of the necessities of life that we take for granted -

Water

Basic shelter

Food

Education

On Friday, the Charism team visited each classroom to discuss Project Compassion, encourage donations, and help students set realistic fundraising goals using the campaign poster.

In every classroom there is a project compassion box. During this time of Lent, the children are being encouraged to be compassionate and think of others in need. As part of our Lenten journey we think of those less fortunate and consider ways we can help.

We would like to fill the boxes as much as we can - ways the children can contribute are:

1. Put some of their pocket money into the box.
2. Choose to donate icy pole money.
3. If the children have given up a treat - try and donate the cost, so the children can see their abstaining is benefiting someone else.

You will see posters around the school encouraging participation, but also letting you know how the school’s contributions will support those less fortunate that us!

Each week of Lent, the Charism team will be counting the donations made to Project Compassion and will report back to the school community at Friday afternoon’s assembly.

This week we have raised $229.16

The class that raised the most money is: Year 3 /4 White who raised an amazing $68.25.

Unite Against Poverty

Exciting New Events to Raise Awareness for Project Compassion

Art Competition Time!

This year, we’re having a fun art competition, and the theme is “Unite Against Poverty”! This theme is super important because it’s part of our Project Compassion, which helps people who need support.

Everyone! If you love drawing, painting, or creating art, we want to see your ideas!

All you have to do is make your art and hand it in to your classroom teacher. Don’t forget to write your name and class on your artwork.
The winning artwork will be displayed around the school and even in the school newsletter!

There is further incentive to get behind this project. The winner will also receive the following as a prize.

We will also send the artwork to Caritas Australia to see if they are keen to use the winning artworks for their promotional projects in the future.

We can’t wait to see all the amazing art you’ll create to help spread the message of kindness and helping others. Get creative and join in!

? Guess the Number of Eggs in the Jar! ?

The Charism Team has come up with another egg-citing way to raise money for Caritas Australia—perfect for all our chocolate lovers!

They’ve filled a jar full of delicious chocolate eggs, and it’s your job to guess how many are inside! Each guess costs just $1.00, and all funds raised will support Caritas Australia’s important work.

The Charism Team will be promoting this fun challenge next week and have enlisted the help of their peers to collect guesses. So, get ready to take a guess and maybe even win a jar full of Easter treats!

Stay tuned for more details! ??

Lenten Liturgies 

As part of our school Lenten journey we will be holding a Lenten Liturgy in the Church every Monday afternoon at 3:15 during the season of Lent.

All are welcome to attend.

Our First Lenten Liturgy will be have to be held in the school hall at 3:00 on Monday the 17th March. The Church is unavailable

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 30th March at 10:30 am.

Forms will been sent home for those wishing to participate. Please keep a look out for them.

Please indicate whether you child would like to read or do the offertory. All children are welcome to sing with the choir, but again please indicate this on the form, so we know who to call for practice.

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.

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.

Stations of The Cross

Stations of the Cross – All Are Welcome!

Our Year 5 and 6 students will be leading a reflective Stations of the Cross in the Church on Thursday, April 3rd, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. All classes will be attending, and we warmly invite parents and parishioners to join us for this special time of prayer and reflection.

If you would like to attend, please feel free to take a seat at the back of the church. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with you!

Prayer cloths

Calling All Sewers! Help Create New Prayer Cloths