In the last newsletter I had spoken about Fr Greg Boyle. I have read a couple of his books and am very much inspired by his work. The first thing that we did once we got off the plane in LA was to visit Fr Greg Boyle’s Homeboy industries and then later in the week, we had the privilege of listening to him speak.

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

Lent:

Wednesday the 5th of March marks the beginning of our lenten journey towards the Risen Christ.

Here are some words from Fr Ken:

During Lent we are all on a journey as we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery at the Easter Triduum and continue that celebration during the 50 days of the joyful Easter season.

Most people seldom bother to read the Preface of a book but skip over it to begin at Chapter One.

Unfortunately, we often do the same with the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. The Preface is that part of the great prayer of thanksgiving which comes after the introductory dialogue between the presider and the assembly and the heavenly hymn of praise, the Holy, Holy.

The Prefaces for feasts and seasons of the Church year always reflect the focus of the celebration, but sometimes we’re distracted by the collection or our thoughts wander and the Preface is over before we’re aware of it. Anyone looking for a clue in the liturgy to help understand the purpose of Lent could do no better than to listen carefully to the Prefaces of the season.

To those accustomed to thinking of Lent solely in terms of penance, these words might come as something of a surprise: “Each year you give us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed.” (Preface of Lent 1)

“This great season of grace is your gift to your family to renew us in spirit.” (Preface of Lent II) Perhaps “joyful” and “gift” are not words we generally associate with Lent!

The Sundays of Lent each have a special character drawn from the gospel of the day. On the first Sunday, the Church remembers that the Lord was led into the wilderness for forty days and tempted by the devil and on the second that Christ was transfigured on Mount Tabor. On the next three Sundays in Year A of the three-year cycle of readings, we hear three great stories to do with Christian initiation from the gospel of John: the Samaritan woman at the well, the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus. In Year B the gospel readings are from Mark and John, and in Year C from Luke and John. Finally, on Passion or Palm Sunday the account of the Lord’s Passion is proclaimed from one of the synoptic gospels [Matthew, Mark or Luke].

The Prefaces for the Sundays of Lent serve to reinforce the power of these readings. Listen for the Prefaces and make these prayers your own.

Lent is a time of purification and enlightenment for all of us as we strive to “rid ourselves of the hidden corruption of evil, and so to share his paschal meal in purity of heart.” (Preface of the First Sunday of Lent)

Fast from words that cut down; feast on speech that uplifts.

Fast from gossip; feast on affirmations

Fast from pessimism; feast on hope.

Fast from negatives; feast on encouragement.

Fast from resentment; feast on forgiveness.

Fast from giving up; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from anxiety; feast on faith.

Opening school Mass

It already seems so long ago that the school year had begun, however, with Fr Ken, Mr Bryce and myself all back on deck, the opening school Mass will be at 9:30 on Friday the 14th of March in the Parish Church. This is a very special occasion for our school community where we all come together in Christ to show our love and support of each other. We will commission our Year 6 leaders with the presentation of badges. Traditionally, the parents of the leaders are asked to pin the badges on their child during the proceedings. It is promised to be a joyful celebration with great music and enthusiasm. We hope to see as many of our parents joining us. There will be a morning tea back at the McCarthy Hall as a welcome and thank you.

As per our usual custom, we bring forth non-perishable goods at the offertory procession. Please bring in goods that can be donated to St Vincent de Paul between now and Friday the 14th of March.

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

What’s on in our parish

Friday, 7 March Anointing of the Sick during the 09:30 Mass

World Day of Prayer at St David’s Anglican Church, 3 Roxburgh Avenue, Thirroul at 11:00

Saturday, 8th March after the 17:30 Mass – dinner with other parishioners at Club Thirroul – all welcome.

Friday 14th March Whole School Opening School Mass @ 9.30am, Everyone welcome

Thursday 20th March St Patrick’s Day Prayer Service

Wednesday 19th March Feast of St Joseph Prayer service

Friday 21st March 10:30 Year 1 conversation with Fr Ken in classroom

Friday 28th March Harmony Day

Friday 28th March @ 9:30 Year 5 Class Mass in the Church - All welcome

Ronelle Peardon - Religious Education Coordinator