Mission Liturgy - Nowra

Last Wednesday the school captains and Mrs Herring journeyed to St John the Evangelist Church at Nowra. It was a wonderful celebration and reminder of the work of Catholic Mission and the commitment of our diocesan communities in helping others. Each school was given a Catholic Mission bag containing information and Mission boxes. Instruments from Ghana, the focus country to the Catholic Mission appeal this year, were also included in the bags. These items will be used in our school community to raise awareness and as a focus for the support of Ghana. Early next term St Columbkille’s will celebrate Mission Month with a liturgy and fundraising ideas.

Reconciliation

On Wednesday 25 September a number of our students celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation in St Columbkille’s Church. We thank those staff and parishioners who helped prepare them, and their parents, so reverently for this occasion. May they remember to take part in this sacrament whenever they feel the need for Jesus’ forgiveness. For by reconciling with others, friendships are restored. Let us keep these students in our prayers.

Staff Spirituality Day

On 27 September, St Columbkille’s staff will engage in their annual Staff Spirituality Day. A wonderful program focusing on ‘People of Ritual’ will be explored- including ritual in prayer, ritual in Jesus’ life and ritual in everyday life. Thank you to Gary Quinn for his leadership on the day and all those who helped to organise in one way or another.

October – Month of the Rosary

The Rosary is Mary’s special prayer, which we often associate with intentions. That is why each night a member of each class will bring home a drawstring bag. This bag contains a candle, rosary beads, prayers and an exercise book. In this book you are encouraged to share your special thoughts or intentions to Mary, with others in your class. You might choose to:

• Write a prayer to Mary.
• Write the names of those you are praying for.
• Add an illustration.
• Write a quote that is important to your family.

This is a nice way for the family to spend some time in prayer throughout October, and class members enjoy listening to these special prayers written at home.

Social Justice Sunday

The last Sunday in September is recognised by many churches as Social Justice Sunday. The theme this year is Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world. It affirms the positive possibilities offered by new digital media, while warning of the elements that are harmful to the dignity of individuals and the common good. The Catholic Church provides more information at www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au.  Pray that we “boldly become citizens of the world.” (Pope Francis)

Season of Creation

We continue to celebrate the month of creation within our school community. Thank you to your child’s efforts in supporting our environmental initiative for the month regarding ‘Soft Plastics.’ This will continue throughout next term with our newly purchased ‘blue bins.’ The staff and students have been doing a great job with their recycling, especially with the help of Mr Zhi Fang and his son Dylan. A reminder that these items CANNOT be collected in the blue bins:

• papers (paper bags, tissues, cupcake or muffin cases, baking paper)
• aluminium foil
• leftover food (this needs to be separated from the plastic)

Christmas Art

Congratulations to our Year 5 & 6 school winners who have entered the annual Diocesan Christmas Art Competition.  Our Year 5 entrants were Alessandra Ezquerro, Sophia Kordalis and Gabriela Ramirez. Our Year 6 representatives were Georgia Bartzos, Lilly Gallo and Elise Leslie. News just in… Alessandra and Gabriela have been chosen in the top 50 artworks and their works will be exhibited at the Wollongong Art Gallery on Wednesday 16 October. Good luck girls!

PHASE 2 OF PLENARY COUNCIL 2020

An invitation to discern and propose actions

A process of communal discernment in which we pray, reflect, share, think nationally, think locally and respond with proposals for action will take place within our parishes over the next few months.

You are invited to read about the national themes for discernment and then come to one or more of the sessions across our parishes.

How is God calling us to be a Christ-centred Church in Australia that is:

Please register in the foyer area of each Church. For further enquires talk to your animators or email bullipc2020@gmail.com