What’s happened at St Michael’s over the past three weeks?

As Lent draws to a close and Easter approaches, we reflect on the meaningful journey we've shared. During Lent, we've focused on prayer, fasting, and helping others through almsgiving. Now, as Easter nears, we look forward to celebrating the joy of new beginnings.

Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal. It's a time to come together, embracing forgiveness and love. Let's rejoice in the promise of Easter and the fresh start it brings. May this season be filled with peace and blessings for you and your loved ones.

This Lenten season, your generosity of giving helped in so many ways for vulnerable individuals, through donating to Project Compassion. This year the theme has been,  "For All Future Generations." We have continued to support Caritas’ project compassion by putting money into our class project compassion boxes. So far we have raised a total of $262.70 which has now provided a handwashing sink to a household in Samoa so that cleanliness and hygiene is accessible to a family. 

The results for W9 are…

Kindergarten: $11.70

Year 1: $8.90

Year 2: $24.00

Year 3: $8.40

Year 4: $6.65

Year 5: $6.20

Year 6: $6.20

St Patrick’s Day: On St. Patrick's Day, our Year 6 leaders ran prayer services in every classroom, bringing us together in a spirit of reverence and unity. They led us in simple prayers and uplifting songs, honouring St. Patrick's legacy. Their gentle guidance created a meaningful atmosphere where we felt connected to our faith and each other. We're thankful to our Year 6 leaders for leading these special moments of celebration.

St Joseph’s Day: On Tuesday, March 19th, we celebrated the feast day of St. Joseph in a truly special way. Each class engaged in a heartfelt prayer service, honouring the patron saint with reverence and devotion. As I walked through the halls, I witnessed the profound impact of the day on our students. Each classroom was alive with the spirit of St. Joseph, as students participated in prayers, reflections, and hymns. It was a beautiful sight to see how deeply the students were inspired by Christ, their reverence and engagement shining through in every moment. Whether through quiet contemplation or joyful song, each class embraced the opportunity to connect with the teachings of St. Joseph and renew their commitment to faith and service. 

Wollongong Environment Network Day

On Wednesday, 20th March, Mrs Kelly and 4 students from Stage 3 attended the Student Wollongong Environment Network Day at St Paul's Catholic Parish Primary School in Albion Park. The day involved sharing environmental initiatives and reflecting on what our next actions will be at school to care for Our Common Home. It was an opportunity to meet teachers and students from other schools. Some activities involved writing a school prayer for creation and making a reusable bag out of an old t-shirt. At the end of the day our 4 students were presented with a Wollongong Environment Network Badge. They are Eco Ambassadors who will support each other in our next Environmental Actions that will take place at school. What an inspirational day!

Holy Week: Thank you to all those who came to the Holy Week Liturgy today as we came together to reflect on the meaningful journey of faith and sacrifice as we honoured the passion and death of Jesus Christ. The atmosphere was filled with quiet contemplation as we pondered the significance of these sacred moments. As the Easter weekend draws near, may the light of hope and renewal brighten your spirits. As we look back on this special time, let's remember the blessings of community, faith, and love that surrounded us.

Upcoming events:

Tuesday 2nd April: Whole School Easter Liturgy at 10.30am - Students in Kindergarten and Year 5 are hosting the Liturgy. . 

Thursday 4th April: St Michael’s Living the Vision Awards at 2.15pm

Monday 8th April: Annunciation of the Lord Prayer Service

Friday 12th April: Year 3 Class Mass and conversation with Fr Ken. 

♰ Thursday, 28 March 19:30: Holy Thursday – Mass of the Lord’s Supper  

♰ Friday, 29 March, Good Friday - 10:30: Good Friday – Way of the Cross 

♰ - 15:00 – Liturgy of the Passion  

♰ Saturday, 30 March 19:00: Easter Vigil  

♰ Sunday, 31 March 08:00: Easter Sunday – Mass of the Resurrection with Baptism

We warmly invite all members of our community to join us in our prayer services, liturgies, and Masses. We hold a strong belief that by coming together, we will truly live out our vision and mission. Your attendance will enrich these moments, fostering a sense of togetherness and common goals. 

Parish Announcements:

ROSEMARY NEEDED FOR GOOD FRIDAY – BY TODAY

On Good Friday, 29 March, during both the Way of the Cross (10:30) and the Liturgy of the Passion (15:00) small strips of rosemary are given to everyone. Please cut the rosemary into strips of about 10cm long and drop them into the church on Holy Thursday morning, 28 March. 

On ANZAC Day, 25 April, rosemary will be given to all who attend the special 08:30 Mass. Rosemary is an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance. The aromatic herb grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Türkiye, where the original Anzacs served in World War I. Australians traditionally wear sprigs of rosemary as a symbol of remembrance on Anzac Day or Remembrance Day.

SMALL PLASTIC BOTTLES NEEDED FOR EASTER – BY THIS WEEKEND

During the Easter Vigil, Saturday, 30 March, Easter Holy Water is blessed and given to everyone to take home to bless their homes and cars. Small plastic bottles (with lids) are needed to ensure everyone can take home a bottle. Please bring along (clean) small plastic bottles by next weekend, so they can be filled before Easter. Thank you!

Baptisms

If you want your infant son or daughter (under 7 years) to receive Baptism, the next Baptisms to be held in our Parish will be during Easter Masses, Saturday, 21 April and Sunday, 22 April – the following baptism will be held on 18/19 May 2024.  The next Baptism preparation meetings for parents will be in the presbytery on Thursday, 18 April at 19:15.  Call in to the Parish Office to collect the Baptism Enrolment Forms. 

Baptism is the first Sacrament of Christian Initiation, followed by Confirmation and Eucharist.  In most of the Eastern Catholic Churches, the three Sacraments are celebrated together as is done in the Latin Catholic Church with adults and children over the age of reason – that is 7 years or older.

Event: family camping weekend 

Please see below a link for an opportunity to participate in a Catholic family camping weekend. 

https://www.dow.org.au/events/compass-catholic-family-camping-weekend/

Mrs Chelsea McLeod and Mrs Ronelle Peardon:  Acting Religious Education Coordinators