Confirmation Preparation 

We are fast approaching the special event of celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation on the 23^rd August. Our 16 children are reverently participating in their lessons, further developing their knowledge of the work of the Holy Spirit. As part of the Sacrament, each Candidate takes the name of a chosen Saint. The children have been busily researching the Saints to choose a Saint that truly resonates with them. The children examine the life and qualities of the Saints and how they can demonstrate these qualities in their lives.

On Friday in Canberra, I was speaking with Archbishop Christopher, who will confirm our children. He is very much looking forward to meeting our young people and their families as he officiates this Sacrament.

We pray that the Holy Spirit will bless our children with the Gifts and Fruits he sends.

Piety Stall

The Piety Stall is operating at the back of the Church before and after Mass, for anyone wishing to purchase a gift. There are some lovely things available. The stall operates as cash only.

Blessed Carlo Acutis

Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized a saint on Sunday, 7^th September in Rome. The canonization of this young saint, the first millennial saint, has been greatly anticipated due to his great devotion to the Eucharist. He is also the model of inspiration to our young people in this modern world. We pray for all our young people through the intersession of St Carlo Acutis.

REC and Key Leaders Day

Last week I attended two days of key meetings in Canberra. These days were very interesting and informative. Keynote speakers addressed the participants from all over our Archdioceses. On Friday, 169 people attended. During a session with our new Director, it was great to see a slide projected onto the screen of our very own St Patrick’s Kindergarten students. We were the only school featured, and our Kinders looked superb.

Over the two days there were many valuable take aways. Some of those that resonated with me were:

• The importance of developing our friendship with Jesus
• Let Jesus touch you from within
• ‘We are called to be faithful not successful’ – Mother Teressa of Calcutta
• Evangelisation, is the Church’s essential mission and deepest identity, aiming to bring the Good News to all
• Be surprised by the joy of FAITH
• Make decisions, like Jesus would
• If we do things together, we can turn the world around
• To build good communities we all need to get amongst it
• Schools are our new frontiers of evangelisation, children are our new evangelisers
• We need to do this work, with the help of the Holy Spirit
• We plant seeds that will one day grow. We are workers, not master builders.

Kate Howe

REC