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At Easter we celebrate the new life that the resurrection of Jesus heralds for Christians; a personal, life-changing experience which draws the individual into relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is not a simple one as Christians are challenged to pick up, continue and reimagine the mission of Christ in everyday life.
Parishes are the gathering point (geographically) for Catholics to experience the sacrament of Eucharist, to be in community and to act in service of the mission. For a decade the parish of St Thomas The Apostle has met in classrooms in St Peter's college while the parish grew, funding was sourced and plans were enacted to build the church which would house the parish.
On Sunday the 23rd of April the newly built church was officially opened. It was a wonderful celebration full of symbolism. The journey to the dedication began with a pilgrimage - a walk of the parishioners, clergy and friends from St Peter's to the new church. In front of the church building a member of the Bunurong tribe of the Kulin nation performed an indigenous tradition - a smoking ceremony to welcome everyone to country. As the dedication mass began there were many ancient traditions, handed down through centuries for the dedication and blessings of churches, such as the blessing and sprinkling of water, the of lighting of lamps, incensensation of the church and annointing the altar with the oil of chrism.
This dedication was celebrated by Most Rev. Bishop Gregory Bennet, Bishop of Sale,and concelebrants His Excellency Most Rev. Archbishop Charles Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia and Most Rev Patrick O'Regan, Archbishop of Adelaide along with Fr Denis O'Brien (the Parish Priest) and other priests. Many members of the St Thomas The Apostle parish served as readers, performed roles in the dedication or were ushers, car-parking guides, caterers and servers.
The gathering showed a type of new life, a renewal of the parish despite its young age. Parish is the people, those who are gathering to celebrate, support and serve others. As a school we are blessed to now have a church so close to now be the home for our mass celebrations and for us to participate as part of the parish more fully and visibly.
Please keep Fr Denis and his parish team in your prayers as they finally get to rest a little after planning and working so hard for this achievement.
Kind regards,
Kate
The Damascus Community celebrated Mass on Wednesday – the first school Mass in the new church! It was a great learning experience for the students. Father Denis was very quick to make use of the art and symbols around the new church to highlight the themes of the Mass. The stained-glass window of Jesus, Thomas and the disciples was of particular interest for those in attendance. Wednesday marked the occasion of the Feast of Philip and James, two of Jesus’ Apostles. Father Denis pointed out that these two people would have been present in the ‘upper room’ where Jesus met with Thomas at this event.
When we celebrate a feast day of any of the apostles, we are quickly drawn to the theme of building a church. The apostles were called by Jesus to be the foundational stones of the church – a brilliant theme for our first Mass in the new church.
School Masses – Now in the new church!
As you’ve read above, the year 6s have celebrated their Mass this week, but parents can assume that all year levels will have their turn this term also. Keep an eye out in the newsletter or check your Seesaw messages for when your child’s Mass is. Parents are always welcome to attend Mass, not just when their child has a Mass. The parish members are also in attendance as a weekday Mass.
Sacramental Program Update
Congratulations to all of the First Reconciliation candidates, as they have celebrated this occasion on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. It will be one of many Reconciliations, as this is a sacrament that you continue celebrating for the rest of your life.
Next Tuesday 9th and Tuesday 16th May (6:45pm both nights), we begin the Confirmation program with a Formation Night for parents. If you have missed the communication regarding this program, it is not too late to contact the parish and have your child included in the enrolment list.
There is no need for you to be at all events but being able to commit to one which then allows parents to meet and interact and build networks would be beneficial.
Kate
School Pick Up Options
Walking school bus – children walk in a supervised group to the gate at St Peter's on McKillop Way (at the bottom of the St Peter's oval) and are collected by parents from 3.15 to 3.30.
Car pick up - cars drive following the green arrows and staff will ask the name/s of the child/ren. Children will be called and come to the car - supervised by staff.
Pick up from yard - parent park and walk, or walk to meet child at an agreed place on the yard. Any child who doesn't have an agreed place will be supervised on the basketball court (which gives cover if the weather is not kind).
A reminder that student supervision ceases at 3:30. If you are going to be later than this time you need to book your child with VillageOSCH who operate here at work.
Uniform
Students can be in summer or winter uniforms depending on their preference.
Staff will not challenge children about what type of uniform is worn. If children are out of uniform staff will ask them to remove items that are not school uniform (hoodies, sports caps etc).
Hats are compulsory in Terms 1 and 4. If your child hasn't got a hat please use the next two terms to purchase a school hat ready for Term 4. Children without a hat will not be permitted to play outside.
Mother’ Day
Last year the school was able to host a Mother's Day event but not a Father's Day event. This year we will reverse and have an event celebrating Father's Day.
We do not ever forget our mothers however. Students will be working at school to think about those people who take the role of mothering in their life and finding a way to create something special for them.
Fee Statements
Fee Statements have been emailed out to the nominated Fee Payer this morning. Due date for term fees are the 19th May 2023; this applies to families who are not on Direct Debit or have set up regular BPAY payments.
Should you have any concerns regarding your fees please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you
Nicola Saunders
Administration Officer
SCHOLASTIC BOOKS
Orders can be placed online via the following link https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/book-club/
Please place all orders by 12th May 2023