Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday)- 16th February

Why do we celebrate Shrove Tuesday? The name Shrove comes from 'shrive', meaning absolution for sins by doing penance. The day gets its name from the tradition of Christians trying to be 'shriven' before Lent. ... Pancake Day itself came much later as a way of using up rich foods, like eggs, milk and sugar before the 40 days of fasting - Lent.

Ash Wednesday- 17th February

Lent begins on Wednesday with the marking of ashes, a sign to remind us to live the way Jesus wants. It is the beginning of our preparation for Easter when Jesus rises from the dead. Lent is a special time when we stop and think about how we can play our part in God’s hope for a world that is fair, just and peaceful. We think about our relationship with God, and how through serving others we can grow closer to him. We also think about the changes we can make in our lives, to be God’s love and mercy in our world, ensuring all people have a just future. 

Lenten Prayer

God of Justice, 

We come to you today as members of one family.

Teach us how to be your loving presence to others.

Help us understand the challenges others face. 

Be with us as we try to change, to be people who take action for others.

 Help us seek a world where everyone has a just future. 

We ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen

This week the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.

We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Each family will receive a Project Compassion box for your donations or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: lent.caritas.org.au  

If you choose to collect during Lent, please return the boxes to school so we can add the school donations to St Catherine's Parish Donations.  

Saint Oscar Romero is our inspiration for Project Compassion 2021, so in his words let’s “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”

ENROLMENT FOR SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION 2021- Year 3 & 4 Students

This information will be sent to Year 3 & 4 families via Operoo today. Please print the PDF enrolment form (Operoo) for Reconciliation and return it to the school office by Friday, 19th February.  This is important information for the Parish. 

Please email me if you require a hard copy of the Reconciliation Enrolment Form and I will send it home with your child.

The following events take place as part of students making their Reconciliation

•     Family Workshop
•     Student Reflection Day
•     Presentation to the Parish Community at weekend Mass- Sunday 10.30am Mass
•     First Individual Rite of Forgiveness- 10am before Parish Mass

RECONCILIATION REFLECTION DAY

Wednesday 3rd March 

St Catherine’s Learning Hub & Church

On Wednesday 3rd MARCH ALL of the Year 3 & 4  students will be involved in the Reconciliation Reflection Day at St. Catherine’s. This day will be led by the class teachers and myself (Religious Education Leader). The day will continue to lead the students to a deeper understanding of Reconciliation.  

The students are allowed to wear casual clothes on the day. All students will be required to bring a snack (including fruit) and water bottle (no glass). A sausage sizzle lunch (gluten free sausages) will be provided for all of the students. Children who are unable to eat sausages due to  dietary concerns are required to bring their own lunch from home. If this is the case please let your child’s classroom teacher know.

FAMILY WORKSHOP FOR YEAR 3 & 4 STUDENTS RECONCILIATION 

Wednesday 10th March 7-8pm 

St Catherine’s Learning Hub

The Family Workshops for Reconciliation will take place on WEDNESDAY 10th MARCH 2021.  Families and their child must attend (at least one parent). More information will be sent out closer to the date.

PRESENTATION TO THE PARISH COMMUNITY AT WEEKEND MASS

10.30am Sunday 18th April

St Catherine’s Church

This will take place at 10.30am on Sunday, 18th April.                                      When you arrive, please let the Parish Associate know that you are present.

FIRST INDIVIDUAL RITE 

ONLINE Booking information to be emailed after Family Workshop- Please book one of the following dates

The First (individual) Rite can take place as a group of 10:

10.00am Sunday 25th April

10.00am Sunday 16th May

10.00am Sunday 20th June 

Any questions or queries can be emailed to Carmel Donlon: carmel.donlon@scmoorabbin.catholic.edu.au

CONFIRMATION 2021- Thursday 3rd June (Change of Date)     

We have received notification that the date and time for Confirmation at St Catherine’s has changed. The Year 6 students will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at 7pm on Thursday, 3rd June. Please mark this date in your diaries.

Carmel Donlon

Religious Education Leader