Liturgies celebrated

A Heartfelt Start to the Term

What a beautiful way to begin the term—celebrating the cherished role of grandparents in our lives. In Week One, our school community gathered for a special Mass, followed by a joyful sharing of learning, heartfelt conversations, and even a few warm hugs. It was a touching reminder of the love and wisdom our grandparents bring to our lives.

This Friday, we come together once again to honour an extraordinary woman—Saint Mary MacKillop. As Australia’s first saint and the founding inspiration behind the Josephite Sisters who established our school, her feast day holds deep significance for us. Mary MacKillop’s courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others continue to guide our values and actions.

To mark this special occasion, each student is invited to bring a small, non-perishable item to contribute to our offertory baskets during Mass. This simple act reflects our commitment to Catholic Social Teachings and echoes St Mary of the Cross’ legacy—creating opportunities for others to find their path in life.

We warmly welcome all members of our community to join us in celebration at 9:30 AM on Friday, 8th August in our Parish Church. Let us come together in faith, gratitude, and joy.

Sacraments

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

QUESTIONS ABOUT LAST SUNDAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS

First Reading Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

Is there more of “toil and anxiety” than you want in your life? Would an increase in faith serve the same purpose as a pill for curing anxiety?

This reading is about priorities. Do yours occasionally need to be checked and rearranged? Louisa Mae Alcott, toward the end of chapter 40 in her book, Little Women, says, “Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.”.

Second Reading Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Not that there is anything wrong with some of our practices in the Church, but might we discover through synodality discussions that taking off the “old self with its practices and putting on the new self” is helpful in “seeking what is above”? 

“Here there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision. … ” Could St Paul give the same speech today? How would acting as if “Christ is all and in all” solve today’s problems like racism?

Gospel Luke 12:13-21

Many would determine their worth as a person by the greatness of their house or portfolio or the make of their car. What about you? How do you estimate a person’s worth? Is it possible for a person to have much and still give much?

“So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” What are some qualities that make you “rich toward God”? Below is a paragraph from near the end of the Extraordinary Synod. How does this reflect a Church that seeks to do “what matters to God”, and as the second reading says, “what is above”?

What’s on in our parish

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