Dear Parents and Caregivers
I am very excited to be a part of the St Joseph’s Memorial School Community. Thank you to the parents who have already made me feel so welcome. I look forward to building a strong partnership with families in my time here.
On Wednesday we will come together to celebrate the start of the school year with our Beginning of School Year Mass at 9:30am in St Ignatius Church. This mass is important as it helps us to come together to build a strong faith community. I hope that you will be able to join us.
Sacramental Meeting
Our Sacramental Program is also well on its way with students celebrating Reconciliation at the end of last year. This year, students already enrolled in the program will prepare to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist.
I would like to remind all families whose children will be celebrating Confirmation this year that our first meeting will be on Sunday 11 February at 9am in the Parish Hall followed by the Presentation Mass at 10am in the Church. I look forward to meeting you then.
For those families who would like their child to be included in the next Sacramental Program the first meeting will be on Sunday 4 March in the Parish Hall at 9am. Information regarding dates along with Enrolment Forms will be distributed to all Year 3 students, however if your child is in Years 4 – 7 and you would like them to celebrate the Sacraments, please email me and I will give them a copy of the Enrolment Form. My email address is: grace@sjms.catholic.edu.au
Ash Wednesday
This year Ash Wednesday occurs in Week 3. The students on the William Street campus will attend the 12 noon Parish Mass. The Bridge Street students will celebrate with a Liturgy of the Word at 2:30pm.
Ash Wednesday signifies, for many Christians around the world, the beginning of the Season of Lent. A time when we prepare ourselves for Easter by reflecting on how we can be a better person by reflecting on life's choices and possible life directions.
On Ash Wednesday people who seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings are marked with the sign of the cross, from blessed ashes, on their forehead. This symbolic occasion reminds us of: our sorrow for sins, as well as the will to change and the hope of forgiveness. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer.
Project Compassion
Next week families will receive a Project Compassion box from Caritas Australia. The money raised during Lent, will help Caritas to bring about hope and lasting change in the lives of those who most need it in Australia and countries around the world. Caritas work in partnership with local people, recognising that they are best place to identify their own needs and manage their development programs. Caritas support programs that increase the capacity of communities to help themselves out of poverty, hunger, disadvantage and injustice.
Year of Youth
Last year the Australian Bishops identified the liturgical year of 2018 as The Year of Youth. It is a time for the Church to consider the importance and life-giving presence of young people in the local Church and society. It calls for dialogue and active engagement focused on the reconnection and renewal of a new generation of young people in the life of the Church.
The Year of Youth Aims
We all need to work together to support young people to actively engage in our Parish Communities.
They are our future.
Come Holy Spirit of Faith
Empower our community to be courageous.
Unite your people as witnesses of love.
Walk with us, as we blaze new trails of discipleship,
Accompanying young people as we renew the Church together.
Amen.
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Assistant Principal (RIM)