Section 2: Our Catholic Identity: Mrs Ronelle Peardon

REJOICE

“Sing praise to the Lord,

O you his faithful ones,

And give thanks to his holy name.

Fro his anger is but for a moment;

His favour is for a lifetime.

Weeping may linger for the night,

But joy comes with the morning.”

Psalms 30:5-6

Jesus invites us to joy. The holiness to which we are called is to know joy in its fullness. We let ourselves be drawn to the Tender One whose face is unbridled joy. We are beckoned to this locus of joy, not reckoning with the error of our ways but God saying, unabashedly smiling, “Get over here.”

Fr Gregory Boyle

Our invitation of being inspired by Christ is therefore an invitation of joy and to know it in its fullness. It is much easier to find joy on some days compared to others. The special smile we save for our children or our partners and the joy that they receive by getting that special smile from you. What about the low days though? The days where we have trouble finding the joy. I think what Greg Boyle is trying to say here is to forgive yourself - have the rough day but to be beckoned back to the place of joy where God will be standing with you. God's Unabashed Smile: Boyle's image of God "unabashedly smiling" is key. It suggests a God who isn't holding our errors against us, but rather is eager for us to experience joy now. This challenges the idea that we need to be "perfect" before we can approach God or allow ourselves to be happy. It's about radical acceptance and grace.

"Get Over Here": That direct, almost playful invitation is crucial. It implies a sense of urgency and immediacy. God isn't saying, "Clean yourself up first," but rather, "Come as you are." This is incredibly liberating, especially on low days when we feel unworthy or ashamed. 

Fr Greg’s message is a message of hope, grace, and unwavering love.

First Penance and Communion

The Sacraments of First Penance and Communion are celebrated when a child is in Year 2 or seven years old (or older).

Enrolments for 2025 close on Tuesday, 9 September. Enrolment Forms are available by clicking HERE

Enrolment Forms are returned (by email or by hand) to the Parish Office. Do not return forms to the School Office

Prior to receiving First Communion, children are to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance [Reconciliation].

In order to prepare for these Sacraments, there is a preparation program consisting of the following:

      -  a parent information evening

      -  two classes (after school hours) in preparation for First Penance

      -  celebration of First Penance

      -  two classes (after school hours) in preparation for First Communion

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred by Bishop Brian on Thursday, 3 July 2025 to Year 6 (or older) students.

Enrolments for the Sacrament of Confirmation 2025 close on 12 May 2025. Enrolment Forms for 2025 are downloadable by clicking HERE

Parents/Guardians need to attend:

Parent Meeting 19:30, Tuesday, 3 June 2025 (parents/guardians only)

Classes 1 and 2 Tuesdays, 24 June and 1 July, 15:45 to 17:00  (parents/guardians and candidate)

Confirmation Practice Wednesday, 2 July, 19:00 (parents/guardians and candidate)

Sacrament of Confirmation 19:00 on Thursday, 3 July 2025

Ronelle Peardon - Religious Education Coordinator