Prayer – Scripture Reading

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John 20:19-23 

Then he breathed on them and said,   

"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they will be forgiven. But if you don't forgive their sins, they will not be forgiven."   

The Gospel of the Lord.   

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.  

Pentecost Liturgy

On Monday, we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost with a whole school liturgy. We were led in song and prayer by Year 3.The theme for the liturgy focused on the "gifts” we receive from the Holy Spirit - wisdom, understanding, knowledge, right judgement, reverence, courage and spirit of wonder.

What is Pentecost?

Symbols of Pentecost:

Sacrament of Confirmation

‘Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.’

ALIVE IN THE SPIRIT CONFERENCE

8‐10 July 2021

(Source-https://www.newcastlecatholic.org.au/2021/05/17/housie-returns-to-southern-cross-hall/ )

Mrs O’Neill visited Year 4 Blue on Wednesday to film our students engaging in play with the Spirit. She will be sharing their experiences at this very special event.

Visit the website for more information: https://pastoralministrynetwork.org/

VINNIES WINTER APPEAL 2021    

St Vincent de Paul is passionate about raising up the next generation to have a deep understanding of the issues of poverty and injustice, so that our young people are empowered to change the world. To this end, they have created some classroom activities for us to access to help students learn more this Winter Appeal. Students will meet Bernadette, Marissa, Michael, and Claire to reflect on the work of the Society and the issues that will make this winter a challenge for many Australians. These activities aim to show students more than they have previously seen of what goes on behind the scenes at Vinnies, because they really are a part of this good work that they do.

In last years’ Winter Appeal, we helped so much! This included food, blankets and financial support. This year we hope to really show our support and how much we care.

Over the next few weeks, you will be notified about the SJSJ initiatives planned for our school to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Stay tuned! Thanks so very much to our SJSJ team.

World Environment Day

When is World Environment Day?

World Environment Day (WED) is an international day of environmental awareness and action that happens on 5th June each year. Started in 1974 by the United Nations, each year WED is hosted in a different country, with events focusing on a central theme. World Environment Day 2021 is being held in Pakistan, with 'ecosystem restoration' as the central theme.

What is the focus of World Environment Day in 2021?

REIMAGINE. RECREATE. RESTORE.

This year, we're starting from the ground up. We can't go back in time to when the world was a greener place, but what we can do is plant trees, clean our oceans and rivers, and lake peace with nature that fuels our everyday lives. The world is asking you to be bold and join the fight for #GenerationRestoration

Ways to promote ecosystem restoration:

Since 2021's World Environment Day theme is ecosystem restoration, you might wish to mark the occasion by organising an event or initiative for your children and/or students that focuses on protecting Australia's ecosystem and/or the ecosystem in your local area. We are only as healthy as our planet, and we all depend upon a healthy ecosystem in order to thrive.

We need to act as a unit to support our degraded ecosystems. There are so many ways in which we can do our bit for the environment and help mother nature spring back to life! By doing things like planting trees, cleaning up riverbanks, or simply giving nature space to recover, we can increase their benefits to society and biodiversity. 

Fun, eco-supporting World Environment Day activities:

• Plant native Australian flora for the bees: bee populations are dwindling all over the world, and ensuring that native Australian bee species have plenty of their favourite flowers and plants on which to feed goes a long way towards helping those populations build back up. If your children's schools have opened again, perhaps you could organise to have a section of the school grounds sectioned off for planting abelias, bottlebrushes, honey myrtle and other native Aussie flowers. If your school is not open yet, you could plant these same flowers in your backyard.

• Plant native trees: teach students about ecosystems, sustainability and the risks of environmental decline in order to turn them into little eco-warriors for the future. Schools can host events to get all of the students involved in planting new trees in their local area, or use school trips to demonstrate the value of healthy ecosystems in national parks and protected areas. 

• Host a beach clean-up: our coastal regions and beach areas are at a critical point, and we need to actively keep them clean and plastic-free to support the plethora of unique and endangered wildlife in our oceans. 

• Walk or bike ride: start the day in a sustainable way by encouraging your students to walk or ride their bikes to school that day, perhaps by promising them a reward if they do it. If schools in your area are still closed, perhaps you could instead go for a walk or bike ride in nature, and give your kids an opportunity to explore and appreciate the ecosystem on their doorstep.

• Make compost: composting is an amazing and entirely natural way to create nutrient-rich soil for any land that is being gardened or farmed. As you and your children set up compost bins, you can teach them that using compost for gardening will eliminate the need for artificial fertilisers and pesticides, both of which can harm local ecosystems.

• Change your behaviour: the best way to start with ecosystem restoration is to look inside yourself. Change your behaviour and start making environmentally friendly choices. Buy sustainable products that support the environment instead of harm it. Encourage yourself and others around you to do the same.

Every little helps, and every contribution matters, no matter how small. 

Housie Returns to Southern Cross Hall

After a lengthy absence because of COVID-19 restrictions, Housie has returned to the Southern Cross Hall as of Thursday 27 May.

Numbers will be strictly limited in light of continuing COVID requirements, and access will be closed once the maximum capacity is reached each night. The doors will open at 5pm for check-in, and entry will be on a ‘first come best dressed’ basis. No pre-registration will be available.

Those attending will be required to check in via the provided QR codes as electronic check-in is mandatory for function centres such as the Southern Cross Hall. Please be mindful of the requirement to keep appropriate physical distancing and the need to observe other COVID safe practices both inside and outside the Hall.The Canteen will not be operating, but vending machines with basic refreshments will be provided. The use of ‘tap and go’ facilities on the vending machines is highly encouraged.

(Source- https://www.newcastlecatholic.org.au/2021/05/17/housie-returns-to-southern-cross-hall/ )

Please see the Parish Bulletin for more details and registration for Masses in our area - https://www.newcastlecatholic.org.au/weekly-bulletins/