St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

Gospel: Easter Sunday

John 20: 1-9

It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

A Prayer for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Pope Francis has passed away. As the leader of the Catholic Church, he was a man of great compassion, humility, and wisdom. Pope Francis dedicated his life to bringing people together, standing up for the poor, protecting our planet, and reminding us all to be kind and caring to one another.

At school, we have taken time to remember and give thanks for his life. Many of the values we talk about every day—respect, kindness, forgiveness, and love—were at the heart of everything Pope Francis said and did.

Although we are feeling a great sense of loss, this year, which Pope Francis called the Jubilee Year of Hope, is a special reminder to keep his spirit alive. We can all do something to continue his work: by looking after our friends, helping those in need, standing up for what is right, and bringing joy to others. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

We keep Pope Francis, his family, and everyone who is mourning his loss in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace, and may we honour his memory by being people of hope in our own lives.

St Mary’s Family Monthly Mass

April’s Mass is cancelled

Project Compassion

On behalf of everyone involved in Project Compassion, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous support and enthusiasm throughout our fundraising efforts.

We are especially grateful for the way you embraced our new initiatives this year – from the creativity shown in the art competition, to the fun of guessing the number of eggs in the jar, and of course, your generosity in purchasing the delicious cakes and handmade bracelets created by some of our talented students.

Your involvement and encouragement mean so much and truly make a difference. Thank you for helping us build compassion and community together.

Congratulations to Olivia in Grade 3/4 Yellow for her winning artwork highlighting the theme ‘Unite Against Poverty’. You will see this artwork made into posters and displayed around the school as a reminder of what we can all do to help.

Once we have a final total of the amount raised, I will share this in the newsletter.

Anzac Day Dawn Service

Families are warmly invited to attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, which will be held at 5:50am at the Cenotaph located at the bottom of Ferguson Street, Williamstown.

Mr Daryl will be supporting some of our Year Six School Leaders as they represent our school and lay a wreath during the service. This is a special opportunity for our students to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans on behalf of our school community.

It is also a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together in remembrance and reflection. We encourage those who are able to join us in honouring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

Lest We Forget

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.

Fr. Greg is in the process of organising the training. Once I have all the details, I will contact the interested families.

There is still time for anyone who is interested in training to sign up. Please let me know.

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!

Sacramental Program 2025

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

Below are the dates for Reconciliation

Two weeks prior to the Sacrament you will receive an email requesting you to book a time for child to make their Reconciliation.

There will also be an information evening session for candidates and their parents. Details will be provided in next week's newsletter.

Eucharist and Confirmation

Instruction will be conducted through the Parish with the Support of Mrs Lipnicki

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

Term 2

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 or any free seats once the children are all seated.

Please do not sit in the pews reserved for the school children.