Congratulations, Deacon Lawrie!
Last Saturday, Bishop Brian ordained Lawrie to the permanent diaconate.  We are extremely blessed to have 2 deacons serving in our parishes.  Special thanks to Claudia, Giselle, Quinton and Oliver for representing our school community at this diocesan event.  Deacon Lawrie was pleasantly surprised to see some of the youngest members of our parish community in the congregation.  We congratulate Deacon Lawrie on his ordination to the diaconate, and we pray that God’s blessing will be upon him as he carries out this new role of service within our church community.

The Season of Creation - Are you willing to be an instrument of God’s peace? During the Season of Creation, which started on September 1 and culminates with the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4, you are encouraged to pray the Prayer of St Francis and reflect on how you can help promote justice and peace by being instruments of God’s peace in our world. The Prayer of St Francis reminds us to bring goodness and light to the darkness that exists in the world and to focus our attention on what we can do for others rather than what others can do for us.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
For your mercy and for your truth’s sake.

Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
in forgiving that we are forgiven;
and in dying that we are born to eternal life.  Amen.

Catholic Mission Launch
Next Wednesday, 13 September, our Vice Captains, Samuel and Tahlia, will travel with Mrs Davidson to Holy Spirit, Bellambi, for the diocesan launch of Catholic Mission Month. They will be joined by Bishop Brian Mascord and other school representatives from around the diocese.  We look forward to hearing about the work of Catholic Mission and exploring ways that we can support their life-giving work as a school community.

Significant Feast Days in our Parish Communities

The feast of St Francis of Assisi occurs on Wednesday 4 October, which is during the school holidays.  Our parish community at Warrawong will be celebrating his feast day with 9 am Mass followed by a cup of tea. The parish will also hold a morning tea on Sunday 8 October, after the 10:30 am Mass as an additional opportunity to celebrate our parish’s patronal feast. If you would like to join the parish at either of these gatherings, you would be most welcome.

Due to St Francis’ feast day falling within school holiday time, we will celebrate as a school community on Friday 13 October.  More details about our feast day celebrations will be communicated in our Week 10 newsletter. 

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

On Saturday 7 October, our parish community of St Mary of the Rosary, Berkeley, will celebrate its feast day with a BBQ after the 4 pm Mass.   This will be a dual celebration as we will also be celebrating the Centenary of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Visitation.  All are warmly invited to join in the festivities at Berkeley.  I’m sure Sr Anna, Sr Lucy, Sr Mary and Sr Elizabeth would love to see you there!

Ms Marita Maloney
Religious Education Coordinator