Welcome back to Church

Our Churches have now reopened but please check Mass schedules for any changes to Mass times.

• Limit of 45 people at St Columbkille’s
• Limit of 65 people at St Joseph’s
• You need to wear a face mask
• Sign in with the QR code – or manually (the monitors will help you)
• Temperature will be required to be taken
• Sanitiser is provided
• Windows and doors will be open and the fans on for good ventilation (so you may want to bring a jacket)
• Please note that once capacity is reached no more people may enter so please be kind to the monitors

Both Churches are seeking volunteers for monitoring and reading for our Masses. If you can help please contact Peter Riordan for Corrimal 42845137 or Mark Hall for Bulli 0423119984

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Saturday, 21 November we commemorate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When Mary was asked to be the mother of the Saviour, she was completely free to accept or reject the offer. Her response, “Let it be done to me,” was a great act of faith. Because she did not understand what was happening, she must have known that there would be difficulties ahead.

She replied yes to the angel's announcement and agreed to become the mother of Jesus, and the Church has declared Mary to be the Mother of God. Because she was the first to say yes to the Messiah, the Church has declared her to be the Mother of the Church.

The feast of the presentation of Mary dates back to the 6th century in the East and the 15th century in the West. It is based on an ancient tradition that says Mary was taken to the temple in Jerusalem when she was 3-years-old and dedicated to God.

What we celebrate on this day is the fact that God chose to dwell in Mary in a very special way. In response, Mary placed her whole self at the service of God. Every moment since your Baptism, God invites you to be open to his grace and dedicate yourself to him, as Mary did.

Remembrance Day
On Thursday, 11 November our classes and grades acknowledged and commemorated Remembrance Day. On this day we especially remember those who have died in war, and to pray for attacks and cruelty throughout the world.

We will continue to pray for peace and to think about what we are doing as individuals, as a community and as a country to bring God’s peace into the world.

First Reconciliation
Our Year 3 students have commenced their online preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacrament will be conferred by Father Patrick on the morning of Thursday, 2 December. Please keep these children in your prayers.

Blessed
This year’s Advent and Christmas daily reflections booklet has arrived. Booklets are $3 and available at both Churches to purchase.

Sustainability
St Columbkille’s is committed to the ongoing care of creation through numerous environmental initiatives. Within our SEMP (School Environment Management Plan) these initiatives are actioned further and focus on the 8 goals of the ASSISSI framework.

In previous years we have developed a waste management system which is sustainable as a result of school-wide ownership and participation from the whole school community. Our Year 6 Enviro Ninjas and Year 5 WEN Ambassadors are committed to our causes.

One of our future actions aligns with outdoor learning within a grade allocated space. We envisage each grade being involved in their space in various ways, such as activities/tasks linked to the Key Learning Areas, all the while allowing the students to become motivated and engaged in the outdoors.

An Environmental Education grant is being pursued through the Catholic Education Office to buy equipment needed for these areas. Fingers crossed we are fortunate enough to receive a grant. I am sure the staff will enjoy this outdoor learning as much as the students.

Mrs Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator