St Vincent de Paul Support

Most of the children at our school have now selected their fundraising toys/gifts from the conclusion of our Colour Run and Slime Splatacular. One family have acknowledged that maybe your child/children do not require many of these toys and therefore you may like to give to others. If you would like to keep something and maybe donate something, to St Vincent de Paul, we ask you to bring your toy/item into school. Please do not feel pressured to do this, as families certainly worked hard to fundraise for our school. This is just another way for our school community to give to others less fortunate in our community.

World Environment Day

Our Year 1 Gold class and Ms Finlay-Joseph, today led our school community in acknowledging World Environment Day. Our special guests, Ms Beth Riolo, from the Catholic Education Office, and Jo-anne McCrea, a marine biologist/zoologist and WWF-Australia ambassador, were a part of this special event. Father Patrick blessed our Laudato Si' metallic signs to be hung within our school grounds.  We have called these our "Environmental Stations of the Cross" as they are based on Laudato Si' quotes from Pope Francis. Thanks to everyone involved in organising this event and partaking in the celebrations.

Vision/Mission

Don’t forget to take the time to complete the google form linked to our school vision and mission.

St Columba Feast Day

On Thursday 9th June our school community will celebrate the feast day of our patron saint, St Columba (Columbkille). Father Anthony will lead us in a mass in the Monsignor Downey Hall from 9.30am, which will include the presentation of the St Columba awards. Everyone is most welcome to attend.

Confirmation

On Thursday 2nd June our Confirmation candidates attended the church for Reconciliation, in preparation for their upcoming sacrament. We continue to pray for these students as they await the blessings of the Holy Spirit. If books have been completed, please hand them in at the school office. Our retreat afternoon will be on Thursday 9th June from 4-6.30pm in the Monsignor Downey Hall. Any queries or concerns please contact the school.

Family / Parish Mass

A reminder that this Sunday 5th June we celebrate Pentecost- the birthday of the Church. All families are invited to our church celebration. This will begin at 9.30am in St Columbkille's Church and is followed by a morning tea (please bring a plate of food to share), and the chance for the students to run around and play. It will be a wonderful opportunity to join together as a school and parish community.

PARISH NEWS

Faith Education Officer – Catholic Diocese of Wollongong

Suitably experienced and qualified persons are encouraged to apply for the role of Faith Education Officer for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Commencing in June/July 2022, this role supports the important work of Catholic Special Religious Education for over 8000 young Catholics in approximately 140 state schools. Based in Campbelltown, with hybrid working location arrangements, the successful applicant will be primarily involved in supporting the recruitment, training, and authorisation of volunteers throughout the diocese. Proficiency in teaching/presenting and sound administrative skills are essential. The position comes with an attractive remuneration package including salary, superannuation, fully maintained vehicle, IT equipment and phone. 

Applications can be emailed to helen.bennett@dow.org.au

For more information and a detailed role description go to www.dow.org.au/jobs

For all enquiries, call Helen on (02) 4222 2403.  Applications close Friday 3 June 2022.

Eucharist - The Sacrifice We Offer

You are encouraged along with members of your community to join Bishop Mascord and others from across the Diocese for a Workshop on Saturday 11 June 2022 Xavier Conference Centre Wollongong, 9:30am - 2:30pm, presented by Sr Carmel Pilcher RSJ, PhD 

Lunch and Morning Tea provided. An opportunity to make a donation to assist in covering costs will be provided towards the end of the workshop.

At this workshop we will seek to understand what the early church understood by priestly participation in the liturgy. Namely that each of us, together with our sisters and brothers in Christ, bring to the celebration the joys and hopes, grief and anxieties of our week. 

This is a great opportunity for formation for anyone who wishes to deepen their appreciation of Eucharist. Please encourage members of your community to register and attend.

Register by Tuesday 7 June 2022: dow.org.au/events Enquires: Anthony Rewak anthony.rewak@dow.org.au / 4222 2465

Reminder: Wrap with Love

Father Anthony has sent an invitation to join a worthwhile group initiative. Parents/carers may be interested in joining the parish group who meet regularly as part of the Wrap With Love project (www.wrapwithlove.org). This group knits/crochets blankets, clothing and other items to be given to those in need. If you would like to be a part of this community building and humanitarian initiative, as well as enjoy a cup of tea and attend Mass afterwards, please contact the school.

Vinnies

Our Corrimal St Vincent de Paul Conference is in need of blankets. During winter we experience a greater demand for these items. If you have a blanket in a cupboard that is not being used, please consider donating it to Vinnies. Bring blankets to school, or to Mass and place in one of the Vinnies baskets. Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator