Fifth Week of Lent

Halima is raising her two children in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, while caring for her mother who has a disability. Widowed at 21, Halima fled violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, arriving at the camp with nothing.

Caritas Australia, through Caritas Bangladesh, helped Halima with shelter, cooking equipment, hygiene and sanitation training. She took on the role of community trainer herself, organising the cleaning of washrooms, wells and toilets. 

Halima aspired to “Be More” and is proud that she is able to earn a small income, while maintaining the health of her family and the cleanliness of the camp community.

• In the Cox’s Bazar district, women and children make up 78% of the total refugee population where 52% of children are aged 0-17. (UNHCR)

Watch a short film about Halima’s story here.

“Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au

Holy Week

Holy Week begins with ‘Palm Sunday’ (this coming Sunday) when we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem after spending 40 days in the desert. His friends and the people of Jerusalem rejoiced at his arrival. They waved palm branches, laid their cloaks on the ground for the donkey to give Jesus a smooth path, and sang for joy.

Next week, students and staff will gather to celebrate Holy Week with three prayer services. Our Year Four classes will present the Palm Sunday story on Monday morning. On Wednesday, our Year Two classes will commemorate the Last Supper and on Thursday, our Year Six classes will present the story of Good Friday – the death of Jesus. When we return to school, after Easter, staff and students will gather for Mass to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.

Over the last week, I have walked the Stations of the Cross with many of our classes. The ‘Stations of the Cross’ tell us the story from the time when Jesus was arrested in the garden, until his death and placing of his body in the tomb.  On Good Friday, traditionally we pray the Stations of the Cross. Whilst it is a story of sadness and suffering, it also reminds us how much Jesus loved us by dying on the cross. He died for us all so that one day we will all go to heaven to be with God.

Sacrament Program

Reconciliation – Year 3

Thank you to those families in Year 3 who have completed the registration for their child to participate in the Sacrament Program. I am still awaiting some registrations. If your child is a baptised Catholic and in Year 3 this year, you are welcome to enrol them in the Sacrament Program. The sacrament of Reconciliation will take place in Term 3.

If your child is a baptised Catholic in Years 4-6 and has not already received the sacrament of Reconciliation, you are welcome to come and see me for more information.

Confirmation & First Eucharist – Year 4

A reminder that our Family Information Evening will be held in Saint Pius X Church, Avoca Street, Dernancourt, next Tuesday 30^th March at 6:30pm. Parents and sponsors are invited to attend. Children do not need to attend. If your child made his/her Reconciliation last year, they are able to receive Confirmation and Eucharist this year.

Please note, important information regarding booking a Mass time for your child to receive Confirmation and Eucharist will be given at this meeting. Family workbooks will also be handed out.