St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

    Luke 15:1-3, 11-32, the Parable of the Prodigal Son

Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons.

The younger of them said to his father,

‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’

So he divided his property between them.

A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living.

When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need.

So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs.

He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything.

But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger!

I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you;

I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ‘

So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.

Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

But the father said to his slaves, ‘quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.

He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on.

He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’

Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him.

But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends.

But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’

Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ “

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Year 6 Represent St Mary’s at Catholic Education Week Launch

Last Friday, a group of our Year 6 students had the privilege of representing St Mary’s at a special Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral to launch Catholic Education Week.

Our students were outstanding ambassadors for our school, taking in the awe-inspiring sight of so many other schools gathered for the occasion. Scarlett and Noah proudly carried our school banner in the procession, adding to the sense of pride and community.

After the Mass, the students joined in the celebrations, singing and dancing along to music performed by secondary school students. It was a joyful and memorable experience, reinforcing the spirit of Catholic education.

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 $227.00

The class that raised the most money is for the second week running: Year 3 /4 White.

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!

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 Final Lenten Liturgy will be held in the church at 3:00 on Monday the 31st March.

St Mary’s Family Mass

Children’s Mass - Sunday 30th March

St Mary’s School Mass – Get Involved!

We have our first St Mary’s Children’s Liturgy on Sunday the 30th March at 10:30am.

Thank You & Upcoming Practice

A big thank you to all families who have returned their forms! Readings have been sent home with students who volunteered to read.

There will be a choir practice on Friday at 11:00am. I will also take the readers for a run-through at that time.

Thank you for your support!

For families new to the school, the 10:30am 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

Thank you to the parents who volunteered to make the new coloured prayer cloths for our prayer tables.

We are now in need of new white 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 one white prayer cloth, 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!

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.

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.

SPORTS UPDATE