In our Church tradition.... Parish Mass, Children’s Liturgy and Opening Doors Program to become Catholic 

CLASS MASS: Please see dates below for Class Mass for Term 4. 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. 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY: We have Children's Liturgy at St Columba’s Church in Adamstown at the 8:00AM Mass and Kotara at the 5:00PM Mass. You are encouraged to bring your children along each week to help strengthen their faith. 

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! Grandparent's Day Liturgy and Morning Tea 

GRANDPARENT’S DAY LITURGY: Friday 24th October 9:15am. Our Grandparents Day Celebration will begin with a Liturgy, followed by some fun in open classrooms and a morning tea on the playground with the children. All grandparents or those who are like our grandparents are invited to celebrate this morning. Thank you to our Year 3 and 5 teachers for helping to organise this special day.   

In our Curriculum.... Module in Focus: Year 4 – Called to be People of Justice 

This term in Religious Education, Year 4 have been learning about what it means to live justly and how this connects to building a better world, inspired by Christian values. Through stories from the Bible, Church teachings, and real-life examples, students have explored how Christians respond to injustice and care for others. They’ve learned about the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and how to use the See, Judge, Act model to make thoughtful choices. Most importantly, students have been encouraged to reflect on how they can recognise unfairness and take small but meaningful actions to help others in their everyday lives. 

It was so lovely to visit Year 4 for a lesson this term and to hear their thoughtful contributions to discussions. Their ability to recognise how blessed they were was so humbling. Well done Year 4!  

Personal Reflection: Catholic Social Teaching 

Ivy White 

Catholic Social Teaching is about working together for the good of everyone. We all deserve to be happy and have what we need. It means everyone is special to God and no one is better than anyone else.  

It makes me feel good about my actions. Everyone should put an effort in to help, so people can also feel good too. We are all good enough! 

I experience love, justice and kindness with my family and friends through support, compassion, fairness and understanding of me and what I do and what they do. 

When people give up their time for others and meet their needs. God is calling me to love and help others no matter what. To treat everyone how I want to be treated. Treating the Earth with respect and caring for nature. Everyone has an equal right to life. Everyone gets a say in how the world runs, no matter what they believe in. 

Anthea Kesby 

Catholic Social teaching means to me that everyone is treated with respect and love. It is making sure everyone has what they need, that we are one big family and we all should get a say in decisions. 

It reminds me that there are people out there that need my help. 

I experienced kindness when I had my netball Grand finals, and my friends came down to cheer me on. 

God is calling me to be a person of justice, love and kindness. I want to put human dignity, the common good, solidarity and subsidiarity into action! 

Building Faith Together: Conversations for Parents and Kids 

This section provides conversation starters to help parents engage with their child’s Religious Education and deepen their understanding together.  

Conversation Starter 1:  

What does being fair mean to you? 

• Prompt: Ask your child to share a time when they saw something unfair happen at school, in the news, or in a story and talk about how they felt and what they might do to help. 

Conversation Starter 2: 

How did Jesus show justice and kindness? 

• Prompt: Read or recall a story about Jesus helping someone in need. Chat about what that teaches us today and how your child might follow His example in their own life. 

Have a lovely holiday break and may God bless you always,  

Amie Harry and Emma McCulloch  

Religious Education Coordinators