St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

Gospel: Second Sunday of Easter

John 20: 19-31

In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you,’ and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.

‘As the Father sent me,

so am I sending you.’

After saying this he breathed on them and said:

‘Receive the Holy Spirit.

For those whose sins you forgive,

they are forgiven;

for those whose sins you retain,

they are retained.’

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him:

‘You believe because you can see me.

Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name.

Anzac Day Dawn Service 2025

As a school, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable school leaders of St. Mary's who exemplified dedication and respect at the recent Dawn service. Rising early and embodying the values of our school, these leaders represented St. Mary's with grace and reverence, honouring the solemn occasion.

Their presence and conduct not only honoured the significance of the service but also beautifully reflected the spirit of our school community. We are immensely proud of their commitment to upholding the values of respect and dignity.

Thank you to all the school leaders for your exemplary representation of St. Mary's. Your actions speak volumes about the character and integrity instilled within our student body.

Mother’s Day Mass 2025

We are looking forward to celebrating all our mother’s and mother like figures on Friday 9th May

Mass will begin at 9:15am and the children will be start arriving at the church shortly after 9:00am, so we ask that those attending the Mass be seated by 9:00am - CHILDREN WILL SIT WITH THEIR MOTHERS. They will be brought to the church and find you inside.

The front row is reserved for the readers and their mothers and siblings. The following three rows will be reserved for the Year 1 students and their mothers and siblings.

The seats to the right of the Altar are reserved for our choir.

Children whose parents are unable to attend will sit with their classroom teacher.

We know that all mums will be enjoying a coffee and catching up with other mothers in the hall prior to Mass, but we do ask that if you are attending the Mass, that you make your way over to the church for 9:00am and that no coffee cups are brought into the church.

We look forward to seeing as many mums and mother like figures at the Mass as possible. The year ones have worked hard in preparing for this and are so excited to lead the Mass for us.

Year 3 Reconciliation evening with Maria Forde

We invite all Year 3 students and their parents to attend an important Information Session about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which will be celebrated this term.

The session will provide an overview of the preparation program and key dates. It is essential that at least one parent attends with their child.

Date: 27th May
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: The school Hall

We look forward to supporting your child on this special faith journey.

An Information booklet will be sent home with your child this Friday 2nd May.

If you have any questions please contact your child’s teacher or Charlotte Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au

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.