Religious Education & Parish News
Mission Month
Socktober is, first and foremost, a means through which schools and students can celebrate World Mission Month in October. An important component of this celebration is to reflect on the efforts of mission partners around the world, to pray for them and the communities they serve.
We will be holding a Mission Fundraiser on Friday 12 November. Students are asked to wear crazy socks and donate a gold coin for the missions. The students will be learning about missions over the next couple of weeks.
Students will also celebrate a liturgy in their classes on this day.
All Saints’ Day
November 1 is a special day called the feast of All Saints. It is a day to remember and honor the saints. This is a day to celebrate members of our family, our friends, and our neighbours who have entered heaven.
When we think of the saints in heaven, we think of saints who are special to us. Many people are named after special saints, for example, if someone’s name is Elizabeth or Francis, his or her patron saint would be Saint Elizabeth or Saint Francis.
Year 6 will lead prayer for All Saints Day on Monday 1 November.
A Prayer to say at Home.
On November 2 we celebrate All Souls Day, and we remember all who are part of the Church – those who have died and are with God, and those of us still here on earth. We especially remember all those we know whom we have loved and who have died. We ask God to bring us comfort and peace through the love and support of family and friends. Year 5 will lead prayer for All Souls’ Day on Tuesday 2 November.
A Prayer to say at home for All Souls’ Day.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is celebrated on 11 November. This day marks the end of World War 1 over a hundred years ago. Although it was a long time ago, it is an opportunity to remember all those who have died in wars and conflicts. In our world today, life is difficult and there is still conflict, but we can help by committing ourselves to creating peace in our own world. We can recognise that peace begins in our own families, classrooms, schools and communities, and it begins with us.
Each one of us can make a peaceful world if we really try. A prayer service will be held in classrooms on 11 November to commemorate this special day.
Reconciliation and First Communion
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer these Sacraments this year. Even though restrictions are easing, Diocesan procedures to return to full participation in all church activities do not allow us to resume sacramental preparation. As each of these sacraments require a minimum of 4 weeks preparation, including meetings and ceremonies, this is not possible. These sacraments are too important to be rushed.
Fr Damien and the sacramental team have met and decided that the children from Year 3 and 4 will be combined next year to complete these programs.
At this stage Reconciliation will be offered in Term 2 and First Communion in Term 4.
We know this is disappointing and your children were looking forward to this, hopefully everything will be back to normal next year and the sacraments will be able to be celebrated as planned.
Confirmation
This year Confirmation will be celebrated with two ceremonies. Both ceremonies will take place at St Francis of Assisi Warrawong Church on Tuesday 9 November and Thursday 11 November at 6.30 pm. The parents have received an email with the final groupings. Please remember this weekend the candidates are to present their Saint projects at Mass. The weekend of the 6-7 November, candidates will be presented to the Parish at Mass. Candidates are to wear their stoles at these Masses and for Confirmation. Please make sure they have been washed and ironed. Thank you
Parish Weekend Masses
Berkeley 5.00 pm Saturdays
Warrawong 8.30am and 10.00am Sundays.
Mrs Madaschi
Religious Education Coordinator