Prayer

Pancake Tuesday 

Coming into the season of Lent, our Mini Vinnies team has organised a fundraiser for the launch of Project Compassion by holding a Pancake Day for Shrove Tuesday 25th February. During recess, we will be selling pancakes for $1. The options will be served plain, with maple syrup or strawberry jam. Please notify the office of dietary requirements by Friday 21st February. We would greatly appreciate parent volunteers to assist with this from 11:30am. Please let the office know if your available to help. Thank you for your support. 

Ash Wednesday 

Next Wednesday 26th February, we will be celebrating the beginning of the Lenten Season with our Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:15am at St Joseph’s Church, led by Fr Peter. Thank you to Year 5, Miss Slattery and Mr Nolan for help organising the Mass. All are warmly invited to join us for this Parish Mass. It will be great to see you there. 

Project Compassion 

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Each class will receive a Project Compassion box for their donations, or you can donate online via our website at lent.caritas.org.au  

Let’s Go Further, Together! 

Lenten Reflection 

Here are some ideas for those people who would like to do more rather than less this Lenten season.   

1. Pray – Making a vow to pray throughout Lent can help you connect with your faith.
2. Compliment Others – Most people like being complimented, and hanging out one compliment a day can help make someone’s day a little brighter.
3. Smile – It’s hard to be upset when smiling. Even if it’s a gloomy day, finding a reason to smile can help make the day more bearable.
4. Listen – It sounds easy, but in an age where everyone is glued to technology, listening is harder than some might think. Making time for conversation can be relaxing and lending an ear, without interruption, can help someone who needs to talk.
5. Attend church – This one goes along with praying. While most make sure to attend church on major holidays, make a promise to wake up early enough on Sunday to go to church, could be a good way to follow through with penance.
6. Volunteer – For those with a little extra time, lending a helping hand at a local shelter, nursing home or hospital will benefit those in need. Not a people person? Most communities have animal shelters that could probably use a volunteer.
7. Eat Healthier – Most people might give up ice cream and fast food. Making a promise to eat more vegetables could improve health overall.

Sacramental Program 

The Parish Sacramental Program has begun for 2020. It is great to see so many children, particularly in Year 4 enrolled this year.  If your child is not yet registered, it isn’t too late!  Please register on the Parish website https://www.newcastlecatholic.org.au/sacraments/ 

The information session went well on Tuesday night, if you could not attend but require the information provided, please see Mrs Pringle in the office for a copy. The next important date is Tuesday 10th March, the Commitment Ceremony at Sacred Heart Cathedral 6pm, followed by a sausage sizzle. Families are invited to formally present their children and declare their commitment to the program.  

Reconciliation modules begin: 

• 29th March - Reconciliation mini-Retreat @ SHC 4pm (45 mins) then Mass and sausage sizzle post Mass. 
• 31st March - St Joseph’s, 1st April Stockton, 7th April SHC, 8th April Mayfield, 2nd rites with parishioners. 

Confirmation modules begin after school holidays: 

• 22nd May - Confirmation Retreat @SHC – school day. 

• 26th & 27th May - Confirmation @ SHC all candidates together by Bishop Bill. 

Holy Communion modules begin: 

• 21st June FHC Mini Retreat @ SHC 4pm 45 mins then Mass and Pizza in Toohey room post Mass. 
• 27th & 28th June - First Holy Communion in their parish community. 

Upcoming Dates

Catholic Schools Week – Monday 2nd March marks the beginning of Catholic Schools Week.  Student Council will be leading us in liturgy in the Hall beginning at 9:15am. Please stay tuned for more events coming up during Catholic Schools Week. 

St Joseph’s Day – Our school feast day will be celebrated on Thursday 19th March beginning with a liturgy in the church at 9:15am. Activities will follow later in the day.  More information to come soon.     

Harmony Day - We will be celebrating Harmony Day Friday 20th March as a school community. Lots of fabulous things are being planned for the day and details will be made available soon. 

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Newcastle Inner City Catholic Community - Weekend Mass times  

Sacred Heart Cathedral – Vigil Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday 9:30am and 5:00pm 

St Joseph’s, The Junction – Sunday 9:00am 

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Tighes Hill – Sunday 8:00am 

St Mary’s, Newcastle – Sunday 7:30am

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