There has been a few significant celebrations in our community over the last couple of weeks. Year 6 led the school community in a Pentecost liturgy that celebrated the beginning of the Church. On the 7th of June, we had our Family Parish Mass. It was great to see the community celebrating Mass and a meal together. The parishioners loved seeing the families interact with one another and the students doing the jobs so reverently. Family Parish Mass is a great initiative that builds a stronger connection between school families and parishioners.  Finally, early last week Kindergarten visited the Church as part of what they are learning in Religion. Kindergarten was given a private tour of the Church by Father Ken, as they explored all the important symbols and objects used at Mass.

Upcoming Liturgies and Class Masses

• Kindergarten and Year 5 Class Mass ~ Friday the 27th of June, at 9:30 am.

• Confirmation ~ Thursday the 3rd of July, at 7:00 pm.

• Living the Vision Award Assembly ~ Friday the 4th of July, at 2:00 pm.

• Grandparents Day ~ Friday the 25th of July.

2025 Vinnies NSW Reconciliation Movement Poster Competition

St Vincent de Paul is inviting students to participate in the 2025 Vinnies NSW Reconciliation Movement Poster Competition. It is part of their ongoing commitment to reconciliation and as a way to celebrate National Reconciliation Week and to promote cultural understanding in your school community, St Vincent de Paul is asking for anyone aged 3 to 17 to show their creativity and culture through an original artwork of their choice. See the following poster for further details. There are 24 deadly prizes up for grabs!

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 [5:30 pm Saturday or  8:00 am 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 7:15 pm 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        9 am to 3 pm  [closed 12:30 pm to 1 pm]

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

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

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. The candidates have been preparing for this special Sacrament. 

Parents/Guardians need to attend:

What’s on in our parish

Here are some upcoming events at our Parish:

• Thursday, 26 June ~  Baptism Preparation Meeting for July Baptisms at 7:15 pm.
• Friday, 27 June ~ Celebrating The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with Kindergarten and Year 5.
• Tuesday, 1 July ~ Confirmation Class 2 for the Sacrament of Confirmation at 3:45 pm.
• Thursday, 3 July ~ Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Brian at 7:00 pm.

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.

Mr David Ryan - Acting Religious Education Coordinator