In our Church tradition.... Introducing Pope Leo / Parish Mass

We are excited to share with you the news that the Catholic Church has a new Pope! His name is Pope Leo, and he was chosen as the leader of the Church to guide us in faith, love, and prayer.

Pope Leo comes with a heart full of compassion and a strong desire to help others. He has already shown us that he cares deeply about spreading peace, helping those in need, and bringing people together. Just like the popes before him, he will work to guide our Church and help us grow closer to God.

As we welcome Pope Leo, let us keep him in our prayers, asking God to give him wisdom, strength, and love as he leads us in our faith journey. We can also pray for our Church, that it may continue to be a place of love and hope for all.

Thank you for being a part of our community as we pray for our new Pope and continue to grow together in faith.

CLASS MASS: Please see dates below for Class Mass for Term 2. Parents are very welcome to attend. Children will be participating in readings and the offertory during these Masses. 

WEEKEND MASS TIMES FOR ST COLUMBA’S: It is always lovely for children and their families to attend Mass in our Parish. Currently Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 8:00am.

In our Community.... Catholic School’s Week and the SVDP Winter Appeal

CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S WEEK LITURGY AND OPEN CLASSROOMS: Our Catholic School’s Liturgy will be held at St Columba’s on Monday 2^nd June from 9:15am in the Church, followed by open classrooms and a picnic morning tea on the playground (please bring something to share with your child(ren). All families are invited to celebrate on this morning.  

ST VINCENT DE PAUL WINTER APPEAL: To help those who are disadvantaged and in need of extra assistance this winter, we are asking for donations to the St Columba’s Primary School Winter Appeal throughout Term 2. Again, this year we are asking for warm winter blankets in new condition and warm beanies, suitable for babies, children and adults.  All donations will be distributed in June by our St Columba’s Adamstown conference of the St Vincent de Paul to support local families, couples and singles this winter. The Student Mercy Group will also be working on a special PJ and hot chocolate day to be held in Week 10 to raise extra money for this worthy cause. Details to come!

In our Curriculum.... Unit in Focus: Year 2 – The Story of the Catholic Community

In Year 2 Religious Education, students are learning about the story of the Catholic community. They will explore important events, people, and groups that have helped shape the Catholic Church, both in the past and today. This topic will help students understand what it means to belong to the Catholic community as God's people. They will also learn about key figures and events that have helped the Catholic Church grow in Australia, including the early Church communities and the Catholic communities we have today. See some of their fabulous work below. Well done Year 2!

Building Faith Together: Conversations for Parents and Kids

A new addition to RE News, this section provides conversation starters to help parents engage with their child’s Religious Education and deepen their understanding together.

1. What does it mean to belong to a community, like the Catholic Church?
   Prompt for Parents:

• Talk about how being part of a community means we care for and help each other.
• You could share a story about how your family has been part of the Church or another group.
• Ask your child how they feel when they go to Mass or take part in school or parish events.

2. Who is someone in the Church (past or present) that you’ve learned about and admire? Why?
   Prompt for Parents:

• Encourage your child to share about a saint, priest, nun, or community helper they’ve learned about.
• Talk together about what makes that person special - maybe their kindness, bravery, or faith.
• You can also share someone who has inspired you in your own faith journey.

CONGRATULATIONS YEAR 2: Year 2 recently had their beautiful Liturgical movement professionally recorded by our Catholic Schools Communications team for Butterfly Online – Andrew Chinn, who records liturgical songs for Parishes and Schools. We are so proud of the children’s reverence and effort—stay tuned, as we’ll be sharing the video with families once it’s released!

Have a lovely week and may God bless you always,

Amie Harry and Emma McCulloch

Religious Education Coordinators