We have spent a considerable amount of time pulling apart our vision; Inspired by Christ, we aspire to excellence in learning, living fully in community. Yet, we must ask ourselves: How do we translate this vision into action through our mission? Our mission is to… 

• Be a vibrant catholic community, where all feel safe, valued, loved and respected
• Display understanding, compassion, and care for others and all of creation
• Foster dynamic and diverse learning opportunities

To further strengthen our Catholic community, I recently invited our staff to participate in a CR_OSSFIT Lenten spiritual bootcamp. You will always be the first educators of your children but as Catholic teachers, it is important for us to also embrace our faith with two loving hands. This allows us to support you in guiding your children towards encountering Christ. Each week, I invite staff to reflect on a pertinent scripture passage and then to challenge themselves with tasks that align with catholic social teaching. You might consider participating in some of the challenges.

Last week’s focus: the poor and vulnerable

Last week’s challenge: Look up from your phone as you move around

• Notice someone on the edge of your community and engage in conversation
• Instead of following people with huge popularity, seek out those who are humble, deep and with integrity.

This  week’s focus: Economic justice. We will use last week’s Gospel as inspiration and reflection

This week’s challenge: 

• Complete an audit of your wardrobe, remove and gift unused items to charity
• Simplify a few meals/week and donate saved money to CARITAS

Next  week’s focus: The common good. We will use the parable of the prodigal son as inspiration and reflection

Next  week’s challenge:

• Start each day with the morning prayer: “Jesus, give me the inspiration and strength to contribute to the good of others today”
• Small acts of kindness (holding a door open, a smile, impeccable manners, words of encouragement)
• Volunteer for something that is charitable

Lent

A Lenten promise represents a unique bond between each of us and God. This season invites us to reflect on how we can embody this promise in our lives. Traditionally, we may think of Lent as a time to give up something we cherish, like lollies— this is what my grandmother, parents  and at school taught me. However, a Lenten promise encompasses three key elements: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Prayer: How have you embraced this season of deep reflection? Consider adding moments of quiet prayer or meditation into your daily routine.

Fasting: Fasting isn’t limited to abstaining from food we love; it can mean letting go of unkind words or negative thoughts. What have you chosen to fast from this Lent?

Almsgiving: This is a time to support those less fortunate. Reflect on the ways you have reached out to help others during this period.

Engaging with your children about your own Lenten promise could inspire them. Share your experiences: what you’ve fasted from, how you pray, and the ways you’ve contributed to those in need. Let this be a shared journey of faith and compassion.

CARITAS project compassion

Each class has slowly been adding to their own project compassion boxes. Project compassion is your almsgiving in action.

These are some examples of how the money that has been donated goes to help.

Leaia's story, Samoa

Not having access to a reliable source of clean water was very difficult for Leaia and her family. But with the support of Caritas Australia, a water tank was installed at their home, improving their health and living conditions.

Collectively as a school we have raised to date $128. We would love to see that grow.

Last week’s Gospel

 Luke 13:1-9

 “ … And I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it.” … Metaphorically speaking, the cultivation and

fertilization could be grace in the parable. In the book Diary of a Country Priest, George Bernanos said, “Grace is everywhere.” What does that statement mean to you? Do you always cooperate with such grace? Could you

cooperate to a greater degree? How?

Do you give people another chance after they make a mistake? Why does Pope Francis give God the name, “the God of another possibility”?

But Jesus knows that conversion is not easy, and he wants to help us there. He knows that we often repeat the same mistakes and the same sins; that we become discouraged, and perhaps it may seem that our

commitment to do good is useless in a world where evil appears to rule. Thus, after his appeal, he encourages

us with a parable that tells of the patience of God. We must keep in mind God’s patience, the patience he

has for us. He offers the comforting image of a fig tree that does not bear fruit during the accorded season,

but is not cut down. More time is given to it, another possibility.

I like to think that a nice name for God could be “the God of another possibility” : God always gives us another opportunity, always, always. That is what his mercy is like. This is how the Lord is with us. He does not cut us out of his love. He does not lose heart or tire of offering us his trust again, with tenderness.

Brothers and sisters, God believes in us! God trusts us and accompanies us with patience, the patience of God with us.

– Pope Francis, Angelus of the Third Sunday of Lent, 20 March 2022

Opening school Mass- reflection 

While it was a delayed start, our opening school Mass was such  an expression of love and joy of our faith and community. It was especially lovely to have parents involved throughout the Mass. It was just as lovely to have our choir lead us in song along with the wonderful Carmel Leonard who gave up her precious time to assist them. Congratulations to our newest leaders of the school.

Feast day of St Joseph and St Patrick’s Liturgies

Year 5 led liturgies in each class to celebrate the feast day of St Joseph and Year 6 led liturgies to mark Saint Patrick.

Year 6 attended Mass for Ash Wednesday. The Inspired by Christ team were blessed and granted permission to share the ashes to our whole school community. Each class had their own intimate liturgy led by the Inspired by Christ team. It was very moving.

Last week, Year 1 had a great experience of baptism in our church. Fr Ken taught them about the whole ritual of baptism, even having parents, God parents and a baby to baptise.

Sacraments

Baptism

Baptism, the first sacrament of initiation, prepares us to celebrate the Eucharist.  Families wishing to prepare their children for initiation are asked to contact the Parish Office.

Baptisms are usually held on the third Sunday of each month [except January and Lent], usually during either of the Sunday [5:30pm Saturday  or  8:00am Sunday] Masses.

Baptism forms are obtainable from the Parish Office.   At least one parent is required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class before the child's baptism.  Classes are usually held at 7:15pm on the last Thursday of each month [except December] in preparation for baptisms the following month.  To check the dates for this year [2025], see below.

Please contact the Parish Office if you have any questions.

Parish Secretary: Kerry Fabon

Parish Office thirroul@dow.org.au

Telephone: 02 4268 1910

Hours

Tuesday:       9am to 3pm  [closed 12:30pm to 1pm]

Wednesday:  9am to 3pm  [closed 12:30pm to 1pm]

Friday:          8:30am to 3pm  [closed 12:30pm to 1pm]

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

Thursday, 27 March 19:15 Baptism Preparation Information for parents

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

Wednesday, 2 April  Parish secretaries’ day at the diocesan office

Friday, 4 April  9:30 Year 6 class Mass with Anointing of the Sick - All welcome

Sunday, 6 April  03:00 Daylight Saving ends

Tuesday, 8 April  7:30pm  SACRAMENT OF PENANCE: RECONCILIATION RITE II FOR LENT

Thursday 10th April 9:15 am Holy Week Events (liturgy) in the school hall - All welcome

SUNDAY, 13 APRIL 14:00 RALLY FOR REFUGEES, TOWN HALL, WOLLONGONG

Friday 25th April 6:00am ANZAC day service at Thirroul Cenotaph - All welcome

Tuesday 29th April 2:30pm Anzac Day Liturgy in the school hall - All welcome

If you would like to receive our Parish Bulletin emailed to you each week, as well as the Saturday evening Mass each week, please email our Parish Office,

thirroul@dow.org.au and make your request in the email.

Ronelle Peardon - Religious Education Coordinator