Our Lady Help of Christians

This Saturday, 24 May, Mass will be celebrated at 9 am in Warrawong for the Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians - patroness of Australia and the Military Ordinariate.  The early Church in Australia was mostly priestless, and it was largely the Rosary that kept the faith alive.  During the Opening Prayer on Saturday, the Church will pray that through Our Lady’s intercession, God will “grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens”, so that “under her protection, Australia may be granted harmony, justice and peace”. 

Laudato Si’ Week

From 24–31 May, the global Catholic community celebrates Laudato Si’ Week, marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, which Pope Francis signed on the day of Pentecost, 24 May 2015.
This special week commemorates Pope Francis' landmark encyclical on climate change and care for our common home - rooted in centuries of Church teaching on creation. With this year’s theme, "Raising Hope", we come together in faith and action, continuing the legacy of Pope Francis and renewing our commitment to ecological justice and a sustainable future for all.

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
Amen.

National Sorry Day (26 May) & Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June)
Each year, our country celebrates National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.  The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is ‘Bridging Now to Next’ and it is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue. 

Did you know?  The colour purple symbolises National Sorry Day and represents the Native Hibiscus flower, which is used by survivors of the Stolen Generations to acknowledge their scattering and signify their strength and resilience.  The flower thrives in harsh conditions, and purple is seen as a symbol of compassion and healing.  This connects nicely with our Catholic Tradition also as purple is also used when administering the Sacraments of Healing - Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. 

Reconciliation Week follows National Sorry Day which is celebrated on the 26th May.  National Sorry Day is a day to pause and remember the Stolen Generations of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.  On Monday morning, we will highlight Sorry Day during our morning prayer assembly and during the week, classes will engage in some activities around the significance of Sorry Day and/or Reconciliation Week.

Our School Values

As communicated in our previous newsletter, the value we have been focusing on this term is faith.  At St Francis of Assisi, we value faith because the ethos of a Catholic school is centred on the person of Jesus and we want others to know Him.  At our Principal and Values Award Assembly next Friday, the value award for faith will be presented to one student from each class.

 Prayer to Increase Faith
Lord, even your wisest disciples
needed strength to strengthen their faith. 
We pray for the same strength,
so that our faith in you may never waver. 
Increase our faith,
so that we may share it with others.
Strengthen our faith,
so that we may be ready to face any doubts that might block our paths.
Even with faith the size of a mustard seed,
we know that anything is possible in your name.
We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Ms Marita Maloney
REC Coordinator