Prayer

Beginning of New School Year Liturgy 

Last week, we celebrated the beginning of the school year and prayed for God’s blessing for the year ahead. At the end of the liturgy, we inducted our Student Leaders for 2022. Congratulations to our Student Leaders who were presented with their badges.  It was wonderful to see the parents and family of these student leaders join us to take part in this very special ritual.

It was lovely and heartwarming to receive these kind words from one of the parents who was present at this ceremony:

“It is with a big heart and a few words that I would like to thank you for this morning's Opening Liturgy... a pure moment of grace, created by a beautiful setting, by a crowd of listening children, by inspiring prayers and reflections, and by lots of smiles. Thank you.

Thank you for making St Joseph's Liturgies so special that they touch our hearts.”

Sacramental Program

A child’s catholic faith journey began with the Sacrament of Baptism and continues by the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation, Confirmation and First Eucharist. The preparations for these sacraments in the Inner Newcastle Parish run between February and June of every year and is designed for children going into Year, 4, 5 or 6 in 2022. Preparations are done as a family with online activities and volunteer work within the community. Enrolments are now open for the 2022 program. If you are interested in being a part of the program this year please visit the parish website and complete the online enrolment form.  

For more information please contact the office on 49791101 or newcparish@mn.catholic.org.au

Project Compassion

During Lent we are invited into prayer to renew and refocus our relationship with God, with ourselves and others, so we can fully celebrate the Paschal Mystery and live life to the full.

The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is ‘For All Future Generations’ and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding longterm solutions to global issues. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion.

On Shrove Tuesday, we will gather in our classrooms to launch our school activities with a design competition. Each class winner will receive a pancake mix to make at home with their family.

Our SJSJ team will be having a DVD sale on Tuesday. Children can buy one for a gold coin donation.

Contributions towards Project Compassion can be made via QKR throughout the Lenten season.

In conversation with your loved ones discuss the following questions:

• What memories do you have about Project Compassion?
• As a Catholic Church, why is it important to support Project Compassion?
• What does the 2022 theme mean to you?
• Share a story you can remember from your childhood that you have passed on to the next generation or one that your parents have told you from when they were a child?
• What is a story you remember or have experienced with your grandparents?
• Share a message you would like to pass onto the next generation.

Each week we encourage you to watch the videos from each of the communities that Caritas is supporting in 2022 and reflect on how we can support those in the program and within our local community. To learn how our Diocese is continuing on our synodal journey this Lent, click here

Watch Anatercia's story

Social Justice Statement – CRY OF THE EARTH, CRY OF THE POOR

In the 2021-2022 Social Justice Statement Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, Pope Francis reminds us that encounter, dialogue, and listening with an open heart enable God’s transforming love to move more powerfully in the world. Artists are invited to create a work based on the themes found in the Social Justice Statement.

Works can be 2 or 3 dimensional no larger than 1 x 1 metres. Name, title of work, school, parish and phone number need to be clearly labelled on the back.

This information, plus a 150 word (maximum) artist statement, must accompany the work and be emailed before 29 April through to rose.mcallister@mn.catholic.org.au

Delivered to Catholic Schools Office reception, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West 2302

Exhibition date: Saturday May 14 Location: TBA Time: 2pm– 5pm

Categories: Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Adult. $150 prize for the winning entry in each Category.

Understanding Change, Loss and Grief

This seminar is an educational experience, so the activities are designed to be objective rather than tap into Participants personal stories of loss and grief.

This session will provide you with an opportunity to:

• Examine the meaning of grief
• Review the range of changes and losses experienced in life
• Explore grief reactions and factors that influence them
• Identify different styles of grieving
• Explore strategies of empowerment, including the role of choice in the grief journey and the importance of networks of support

Date: Saturday March 12 Time: 9am-12pm Venue: Diocesan Office, Toohey Room, Newcastle RSVP: by March 1 to loretta.heffernan@mn.catholic.org.au or 0408 895 951

Pride Mass

Parish Bulletin

Upcoming Events 

2 March - Ash Wednesday Liturgy in classes