OUR CATHOLIC LIFE & IDENTITY:
Congratulations to Our Newly Confirmed!
We extend our warmest congratulations to the Year 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last weekend. It was a truly beautiful and Spirit-filled liturgy, marking a significant milestone in their faith journeys.
Under the guidance of Bishop Brian Mascord and Father Bernard Gordan, our students embraced this Sacrament with reverence and joy. Through the anointing with sacred Chrism oil and the laying on of hands, they were sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, strengthening them to live as active and courageous witnesses of Christ in our world.
We are incredibly proud of the dedication and preparation shown by each candidate. Their commitment to deepening their faith was evident, and it was a privilege to witness them take this important step.
A sincere thank you to their parents, sponsors, teachers, and our parish community for your invaluable support, guidance, and prayers throughout their preparation.
As our newly confirmed students step forward, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we pray that they continue to grow in wisdom, courage, and love, always seeking to live out their Catholic faith with conviction.
World Refugee Day: Standing in Solidarity with Hope and Compassion
Thursday, 20 June marks World Refugee Day, a significant international day dedicated to honouring the courage, strength, and determination of women, men, and children who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disaster.
In our Catholic tradition, we are called to recognise the dignity of every human person and to welcome the stranger, just as Jesus welcomed all. World Refugee Day is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the Christian call to compassion and justice for those seeking safety and a new beginning. It invites us to reflect on the immense challenges faced by refugees globally and to pray for peace in our world.
As a school community, we will be marking this day with prayer in our classrooms, reading books and engaging in discussions.
We thank the GSFM Staff also for their kind donation of warm blankets that Mrs Jane Stackhouse will gift to the Wollongong Refugee Centre. We encourage you to take a moment with your children to discuss the importance of empathy and hospitality, and to pray for all refugees and displaced people around the world, that they may find safety, peace, and hope.
Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: A Call to Love and Compassion
On Friday, 27 June, our school community will celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This important feast day in the Church calendar invites us to reflect on the boundless and unconditional love of Jesus Christ for all humanity.
The Sacred Heart, often depicted with a crown of thorns, a cross, and flames, symbolises Jesus' divine love, compassion, and suffering for us. It reminds us of God's immense mercy and the depth of His relationship with each one of us.
On this day, we are encouraged to respond to Jesus' love with our own love, worship, and acts of reparation. It is a beautiful opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of God's incredible love for them and to consider how they can radiate this love through kindness, forgiveness, and service in their daily lives.
We will acknowledge this special day with special prayer reflections in classrooms. We invite our families to join us in prayer, reflecting on the words, "Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us."
Natalie Shelley
REC
