FROM THE APRIM
Dear Families
A warm welcome to the new school year.
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR MASS
Thank you to all those who attended the Beginning of the Year Mass. It was a wonderful and heart-warming event, presided by Father John Shanahan. It makes a world of difference to kick start the year with a Mass, with all students and staff gathered in prayer. We have missed doing this in the past few years.
SCHOOL SPIRIT TEAM LEADERS AND COMMITTEE
I am so thrilled to have a bigger School Spirit Team this year. They will be led by Lilian Carman and Toby Medlow, two very capable and enthusiastic leaders. The new Spirit Committee will be presented at Assembly in Week 3.
YEAR 6 REFLECTION DAY
On Friday, 17th February, the Year 6 cohort will be spending the morning with me at Sophia Centre for Reflection. We will spend our time building relationships and focusing on our patron saints: St Mary of the Cross, Julian Tenison Woods and Irene McCormack. I treasure this valuable time spent with our oldest students and I hope it helps to set them of for a fruitful year ahead.
ASH WEDNESDAY MASS
You are all invited to the Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday 22nd February at 12:00pm, at Our Lady of Dolours Church. This occasion is very important as we kick start the Lenten Season that will lead us to Easter.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
The Sacramental Program for 2023 is about to start. Please email me at cfarrugia@stjk.catholic.edu.au if you are interested in enrolling in the program. More information can be attained from the School’s Front Office.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
The Emmaus Parish are very active in building community and providing a safe and welcoming space for all families. One of their amazing initiatives is Children’s Liturgy: During Mass at 9:00am on Sunday, children are gathered separately and led by a trained children’s liturgist to learn about the Gospel in away that is accessible and fun. We encourage you all to attend and participate. And thank you to the Kingswood Worship group for such a wonderful initiative.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE.
The 20th March is the international World Day of Prayer for Social Justice. Let us gather in prayer:
Dear God,
We pray for social justice in our world today.
We ask that you guide us in our actions
and inspire us to work towards a more equitable society.
Help us to see the dignity and worth of every person,
regardless of their race, religion, or socioeconomic status.
May we work to eliminate systems of oppression
and strive towards fairness and equality for all.
We ask for the strength to be a voice for the marginalized
and to stand up against injustice.
May we always act with compassion
and love towards those in need,
and may our actions bring about true and lasting change.
Grant us the wisdom to see where we can make a difference,
and the courage to take action in those areas.
May we always be guided by your love and grace,
and may our efforts for social justice reflect your loving presence in the world.
AMEN.
Blessings,
CHRISTINE FARRUGIA