Welcome back to Term 4—the final term of 2025! We’re looking forward to a joyful and busy season filled with exciting celebrations, including our Grandparents’ Day Liturgy (tomorrow) and End of Year Mass. As we prepare for Christmas, we’ll also be supporting those in need by collecting donations for Catholic Care and the Seafarers, continuing our mission of compassion and service.  

In our Church tradition.... Parish Mass and Children’s Liturgy 

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 Sunday Mass, Kotara at the 5:00PM Saturday Mass and Cardiff at the 9:30PM Sunday Mass.  

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is when the children leave the congregation to celebrate and reflect on the Sunday Gospel in an age-appropriate way. Our volunteer facilitators may be outside before Mass to welcome the children. They are all registered with the Parish and have a current WWCC.  

To Attend, a parent or adult representative is asked to print the child’s name in the book labelled ‘sign in book’ which is at the Church entrance so that we know to expect them. After the Processional Hymn and Opening Prayer, the Priest will invite our facilitators and children to come forward. He will bless them and send them forth together (mums and dads welcome as well). Children will return before the Presentation of the Gifts. 

In our Community .... Grandparent’s Day and End of Year Mass 

GRANDPARENT’S DAY is TOMORROW: Friday 24th October 9:15am. Our Grandparents Day Liturgy will be held at St Columba’s tomorrow in the Church from 9:15am, 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 on this morning. Thank you to our Year 3 and 4 teachers for helping to organise this special day.  

END OF YEAR MASS/AWARDS: On Monday, December 8th, at 9:30am, our End of Year Mass will be held in the Church. After the Liturgy has finished, we will present awards to students. Parents, carers and friends welcome to attend. 

In our Curriculum.... Module in Focus: Year 5 – The History of the Church 

In Term 4, Year 5 students will explore the shared origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, known as the Abrahamic religions, by learning about Abraham, whose belief in one God was a groundbreaking idea. They will reflect on how inter-faith dialogue can promote peace and unity, and discover how the early Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, spread the message of Jesus through word and service. Students will also consider how the Holy Spirit continues to empower individuals and communities today to live out Jesus’ mission. I look forward to visiting Year 5 this term to hear all about their learning and about their understanding of our Church history. 

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: 

Did you know that Abraham is important in three different religions? Why do you think one person could be so special to so many people? 

• Discussion Prompt: Talk about how Abraham’s belief in one God a new idea at the time was and how it helped shape Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 

• Note: Abraham trusted in one God when most people believed in many gods. His faith became the foundation for three major religions that still exist today. 

Conversation Starter: 

How do you think people from different religions can work together to make the world more peaceful? 

• Discussion Prompt: Explore the idea of inter-faith dialogue, how talking and listening to people of other beliefs can help us understand each other better. 

• Simple Explanation: When people from different religions share their ideas and respect each other, it helps build friendships and peace in communities. 

Have a lovely week and may God bless you always,  

Amie Harry and Emma McCulloch  

Religious Education Coordinators