In our Church tradition.... Sacramental Program Information / Parish Mass / Opening Doors Program

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM FOR THOSE INVOLVED: This is the final opportunity for children to attend Mass on a weekend before the Commitment Mass for Confirmation on the 26^th of July.

Father Joseph would be pleased to greet your child. Please greet Father Joseph as you arrive for Mass or after Mass. He also would like to introduce you to the congregation. Please be informed that he may do so following the final prayer.

Dates for the Sacrament of Confirmation:

• Commitment Mass: Saturday 26 July, St Philip’s Kotara @ 5:00PM (Winter)
• Online lessons: complete at home during 28 July – 4 August (Term 3)
• Face to face lesson: takes place at schools in Term 3
  • St Columba’s Adamstown: Monday 4 August @ 3:30PM
• Retreat Day: Friday 15^th August at Kotara (during the school day)
• Ceremony: Thursday 21^st August @ 6:30pm, St Philip’s Kotara

CLASS MASS: Please see dates below for Class Mass for Term 3. 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.

OPENING DOORS: Welcoming you into the Catholic Family

The Catholic Church welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life – anyone who has a desire to learn about and enter into a life of faith in Jesus Christ can become a Catholic. The process of becoming a Catholic is a journey of faith and conversion. It is a time to learn about the teachings of the Church, to grow in one’s relationship with God, and to make a commitment to live a Christian life.

Adults who are interested in how to become Catholic can enrol in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program through a local parish. The RCIA program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith, including its teachings, history, and traditions and culminates in the individual receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. St Columba’s Primary School is part of the All Saints Blackbutt South Parish Community. Adults who wish to become Catholic can after a period of preparation receive Baptism, Communion & Confirmation at the same time. Please contact our Parish Priest, Father Joseph Figurado for more information via the Parish Office on 02 4954 0977.

In our parish Baptisms are celebrated on celebrated on the first, second and third Sundays of the month, 11:30AM at St Philip’s Kotara, except for January. Application forms are available from the Parish Office. Bookings and preparation are essential. Baptism enquiries may be made via the Parish Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays on 02 4954 0977. The Baptism Preparation program is held at 10:30AM every 4th Sunday of the month except December.

More information can be found on the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle website by following the link below. How do I become Catholic? Our Catholic community welcomes those who are searching.

If you have any questions or require support, please contact Amie Harry, our school Religious Education Coordinator on amie.harry@mn.catholic.edu.au

In our Community.... Save the Date - Father’s Day Liturgy and Lunch and Formation Days

FATHER’S DAY LITURGY CELEBRATION: Our Father’s Day Liturgy for this year will take place on Friday 5^th September at 12.30pm. Father’s, Grandfathers and those who are like fathers are invited to join in a liturgy, followed by a lunch and some afternoon activities with the children. More details to come. Save the date!  

STAFF AND STUDENT FORMATION DAYS:

What is it? Faith formation helps individuals grow in their understanding and practice of their faith. It involves learning about religious beliefs, values, and traditions, and how to live them out in daily life. This process supports spiritual development and fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.

Last Monday our teachers and support staff took part in a formation day focused on the Diocesan Theme for 2025: One Call, One Mission: Pilgrims of Hope. To help to develop this in our students, the St Columba’s school community will be having a ‘Student Faith Formation Day’ later next term. On this day, students will work with their class or stage over the day using a variety of activities and experiences to help strengthen their faith and spirituality with a focus on the theme: One Call, One Mission: Pilgrims of Hope. Some of these activities may involve prayer, Gospel reflection, Christian meditation and exploring our Catholic values.

In our Curriculum.... Module in Focus: Year 4

In Term 2, Year 4 students have been learning about the Holy Spirit with Mrs. Bryant. They explored how the Holy Spirit is present in the Church and the world, especially through the Sacrament of Confirmation. The children learned about the symbols and rituals of Confirmation and how the Holy Spirit helps them live like Jesus. They also discovered how the Holy Spirit guides Christians to continue Jesus' work and serve others. This module helped students understand the important role of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in the community.

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. Conversation Starter:
   • Can you tell me about what you've learned about the Holy Spirit in class?
   • Possible Prompt: What are some symbols and rituals associated with the Sacrament of Confirmation? How does the Holy Spirit help you live like Jesus? 

2. Conversation Starter:
   • How does the Holy Spirit guide us in our daily lives?
   • Possible Prompt: Can you explain how the Holy Spirit helps Christians continue Jesus' work and serve others? What did you learn about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation?

Have a lovely week and may God bless you always,

Amie Harry and Emma McCulloch

Religious Education Coordinators