LENT

This weekend we celebrate the Second Sunday of Lent. Richard Leonard’s reflection of the gospel where Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, is timely.

“Just when some of us think Lent is a grim season of self-denial, the Church gives us the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration to put our sacrifices in context. The only reason we deny ourselves anything or commit ourselves to actions of service for these 40 days is to grow more deeply in love with the God who loves us into life. Penance is not meant to attack our self-esteem, it’s intended to help us sort out what really matters, to cast some light in the darkness of our lives and to focus on the relationship which gives meaning and purpose for this world and the next.” 

How are your Lenten promises progressing? Hopefully our Lenten Family Prayer Boxes have allowed for some time of peace and calm amongst the busyness of your daily lives! Below is a reminder from the Bishop about Lenten Obligations.

During Lent we continue to think about the projects of Caritas and Project Compassion. Our weekly stories from the Caritas website provide students with an understanding of how their money helps people in countries world-wide. If you would like to view or revisit these stories log on to https://lent.caritas.org.au/# and follow the link to ‘Stories.”

Lenten Penance Obligations and the Paschal Precept:

▪ All who have completed their 18th year and have not yet begun their 60th year are bound to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. 

▪ All who have completed their 14th year are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. 

▪ Pastors, teachers, parents are to ensure that even those who, by reason of their age, are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence from meat, are taught the true meaning of penance. 

Paschal Precept: Each of the faithful is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. This is to be done between Ash Wednesday (26 February 2020) and Trinity Sunday (7 June 2020) unless for a good reason it is done at another time during the year. All the faithful are obliged to confess their grave sins at least once a year. 

Relics of St Therese of Lisieux

On Friday 20 March the Relics of St Therese of Lisieux and her parents, St’s Louis and Zelie Martin, will be at St Columbkille’s Parish for 24 hours.

We officially welcome the relics at 4pm on the Friday afternoon and Father Patrick has asked members of our school community to be present. If your child wishes to be a part of this event, they will be required to wear their school uniform and meet at the Church at 3.50pm. 

We look forward to your attendance in recognition of this special event and fostering our and parish relationships.

Catholic Schools Week

What a special week in the life of St Columbkille’s School and Parish we have celebrated. Our movie night kicked off festivities, followed by an uplifting whole school liturgy on Monday, open classrooms on Tuesday evening and finally our Parish/School Masses this weekend. A huge thank you to all those who have been involved in or taken on extra roles during this week. We are blessed to have such a supportive school, which includes students, staff and parents/carers as well as a welcoming parish.

Parish Weekend Masses and Celebration

This weekend the School and Parish of St Columbkille’s celebrates its monthly gathering. Thank you to those students and families who have offered to help in some way. Don’t forget a plate of food to enjoy after Mass.

Sacraments

For those parents making the commitment to support their child/ren in preparing and receiving the Sacraments 

Confirmation - 9 and 10 June

First Reconciliation – 9 September

Eucharist (First Holy Communion) – 21 and 22 November 

There will be two Parents Only nights that are essential for you to attend (besides the Workshops).  
 

18 March – (6.45pm to 7.15pm) - Liturgy & Adoration – at St. Columbkille’s Church - On this night you will receive the enrolment kit for your child

26 March -  (6.30pm to 9.30pm) - A Movie screening of “THE SHACK” –    at St Columbkille’s School Hall. Please return the enrolment forms and fees. All refreshments will be provided (drinks, popcorn and choc-tops).

Bishop’s Visit Corrimal

Throughout the month of March, Bishop Brian is visiting our parishes and schools around the Northern Suburbs. On Sunday 8th March he will be celebrating the 9.30am Mass with our parish. Friday 27 March he will be visiting the teachers and students of St Columbkille’s School. Saturday 28 March he will be visiting two local nursing homes, and concluding his visit, celebrating the 6pm Vigil Mass with our parish, followed by supper.

Baptismal Preparations

The next Baptismal Preparation for Parents at Corrimal is 28 March at 3pm in the Parish Centre. Please attend if you would like your child to be baptised at St Columbkille’s Church.

Mrs Jo Herring  - Religious Education Coordinator