Sacraments
As a school community we pray for the children who will commence their First Reconciliation Program this week. We pray that they discover the greatness of God’s love and forgiveness over the coming weeks.

Family Mass
Thank you to Fr Dan, Fr Rem, Year 3/4 Gold and the choir for leading our school community in celebrating Mass. It was a vibrant school community celebration. We look forward to gathering together again at our Family Mass this Sunday (15^th March) 9am. All are welcome!

Season of Lent
Gospel Reading: John 4:5-42
In the third and fourth week in this Season of Lent, we break from reading the Gospel of Matthew to read from John’s Gospel. The Gospel of John is the only Gospel not assigned to a particular liturgical year. Instead, readings from John’s Gospel are interspersed throughout the three-year liturgical cycle. In this Sunday’s Gospel, the dialogue between Jesus and a woman from Samaria is among the most theologically multifaceted found in Scripture. For an in depth theological exploration see:

Loyola Press, Sunday Connection

https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/third-sunday-of-lent-cycle-a-sunday-connection

 Lenten Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to your illustrations of love in the interruptions of my life. Amen

Caritas Project Compassion

https://www.caritas.org.au/

Thank you to all those who have been busy filling their Caritas Project Compassion donation boxes. Students in Year 1/2 have been busy doing to chores to earn money to fill their class donation box. Students are enjoying exploring what their donations combined can do for a community, like purchasing 50 chicks for a small farming family in Cambodia! Here are some things students have been doing to earn donations:

• Unpacking the dishwasher
• Taking the washing down off the line
• Gardening
• Caring for pets
• Dusting
• Drying dishes
• Taking out the rubbish
• Helping a sibling with their homework
• Cleaning their bedroom
• Putting away groceries
• Setting the dinner table

Mini Vinnies Hygiene Donation Station
The St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol is in need of mini toiletries (hotel size is perfect) to re-stock their hygiene packs to be distributed to the people who approach the van. We invite all families to make regular donations to the Mini Vinnies Hygiene Donation Station in the Front Office.  This is one way our school community can help teach our children about human dignity and how we need to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to look after their body.

Items that can be donated are

• Shampoo/conditioner
• Moisturisers
• Combs/hair brushes
• Sunscreen
• Tissue packs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Soap/body wash
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Mouth wash
• Lip balm
• Deodorant

 Community Meals Program

The Community Meals freezer is one way we can assist families who are experiencing hardship. If you are able to cook a meal, please use disposable containers and label with ingredients and date. All meal donations can be brought to the Front Office. If your family requires temporary meal assistance, you can speak in confidence to any of our staff members.