Confirmation Commitment – Walking in Faith
This term, Catholic students in Year 6 students are preparing to take a significant step on their faith journey as they make their Confirmation Commitment. Through prayer, reflection, and community support, they are saying “yes” to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and choosing to follow Christ more deeply. This commitment marks not only a formal preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation but also a personal decision to live out their baptismal promises with courage, love, and faith.

We ask all members of our school community to keep these young people in your prayers. May the Holy Spirit guide them as they grow in understanding, responsibility, and discipleship. Their commitment is a beautiful reminder to us all of the power of saying "yes" to God in our own lives. 

We are fortunate to have Archbishop Christopher Prowse presiding at the Confirmation Mass on Sunday 29 June. If you were unable to attend the Confirmation Commitment Mass on Saturday night, please make contact so we can pass on the children’s work booklet for families. 

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

Farewell Fr George
Today as a staff we farewelled Father George officially with a morning tea. Father George is off to a retreat next week and then taking some time to visit family overseas before starting his new position as Parish Priest at Star of the Sea, Narooma. We wish him well on his journey and thank him for his years of service to St Mary’s and Sacred Heart Parish.

Fr Josh Scott
This week I attended Professional Learning in Canberra as part of the Religious Education Network meeting with other leadership staff across the Archdiocese. As part of discussions, Anna Smart from Carroll College, Rebecca Keogh and myself were able to meet and work with our new parish Priest Fr Joshua Scott who will be joining us in July.. We look forward to welcoming him, and know he will be an active part of our school community further enhancing our connections with our Sacred Heart Parish.

Breakfast Club
Just a reminder that next week we start Breakfast Club on a Monday and Friday morning before school. As busy families we often find it tricky to get out the door on time with full bellies especially at the beginning and end of the week. We are hoping that providing this opportunity will be great for our students. We thank CWA Moruya for assisting us with a donation towards starting this project. 

Pope Leo XIV
This past few weeks we have seen a change in leadership with the passing of Pope Francis and the appointment of Pope Leo XIV.  What does this mean for us in a Catholic school? Pope Francis spoke continually about the gift of education, which is every child’s right, but is not just about reading and writing. It is also an enlightening of the mind and heart. Education in a Catholic school is about: 

• It is the joy of discovery.
• The preaching of the curious
• The skills of everything
• The quest of excellence
• The reward for effort

This past week we learnt of the appointment of a new Pope; Pope Leo XIV. White smoke emerged from the Vatican in the early hours of the morning signifying a new pope had been chosen. Over the coming weeks and months we will discover more about the man who will follow Pope Francis. Following his announcement, Pope Leo said, “I would like to offer a greeting of peace to reach your families, all of you, wherever you are. May peace be with you.”

Pope Leo XIV's background as an educator and missionary suggests a papacy that values both academic excellence and spiritual growth. His commitment to the principles of the Second Vatican Council and Pope Francis' vision of a Church that embraces global diversity and champions the poor indicates a continued emphasis on social justice and inclusivity in Catholic education. 

For us, this means a renewed focus on nurturing students who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and socially conscious. Educators are encouraged to integrate teachings that reflect the Church's commitment to serving the marginalized and promoting peace. Let us inspire our students to embody the values of humility, service, and love for all—principles that are at the heart of Catholic education.

‘May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart.’
Pope Leo XIV 

Mrs Carla Durnan
Religious Education Coordinator