This week, our staff engaged in meaningful professional development to strengthen our Catholic identity. They explored what it truly means to approach education through the lens of Catholic Mission—continually deepening our understanding of living our faith in everyday practice.

Building on ongoing work, we are in the infancy of actively embedding Catholic Social Teaching principles into our lessons. You may start to notice these influences reflected subtly in student discussions and perspectives over the course of the year.

Additionally, David Ryan and I attended an inspiring session with Professor Gerrard Moore from Broken Bay Institute last term. His insights on interpreting scripture passages, particularly from Luke, provided valuable tools for our faith formation work. We are delighted that Gerrard has offered to collaborate with our staff next term to further this journey.

All these efforts over the past 18 months are laying a strong foundation for our future goals—culminating in a vibrant, faithful community that actively lives its mission well beyond 2027.

Liturgies celebrated

• ANZAC Day
• Easter
• Mother’s Day

Parish and school connections
Mother’s Day hearts

Students in our kindness club and some of the Year 6 students made small felt hearts with a little message attached. These were distributed during the weekend Masses as a small gesture that continues to strengthen our bond with the wonderful community of our parish. We had several little messages of gratitude from parishioners of how lovely they were.

Children’s liturgy 

It is always a pleasure to be able to build and strengthen the connections that we have with our Parish. One thing that has been absent for some time is children’s liturgy. It fosters a sense of community among the children, encourages their active participation, and helps them develop a deeper connection with their faith. This special time aims to nurture the spiritual growth of our youngest parishioners, making their experience of the Mass more meaningful and enriching. We have started to look into how we might be able to ‘resurrect’ this key component for our young parishioners.

Family Parish Mass

Our next family parish Mass will be held on Saturday the 14th of June. You might like to start to chat to your children about how they might like to be actively involved. You might also like to extend the invitation to your high school aged children as well. Further details will come in the coming weeks.

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.

Enrollments are now closed and we have approximately 14 students who will be preparing to make their confirmation in the coming weeks

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 16th of May 9:30 am Anointing of the sick during Mass - Year 3 attending

Sunday 18th of May 8:00 Three baptisms during Mass

Friday 23rd of  May 10:30 Year 2 conversation with Fr Ken in classroom

Friday 23rd of May Our Lady Help of Christians Liturgy in classrooms

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