Religious Education in the School

Mary Help of Christian Feast Day 24th May

Mary Help of Christians is one of the many names used to refer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is referred to as the helper because of her closeness to Christ and her ability to intervene on behalf of others through prayer. The title ‘Mary Help of Christians’ was first introduced in 1571 by Pope Pius V after the Battle of Lepanto. It was at a time when the Ottoman army were invading Europe and threatening the Christian faith. Prior to the battle, Pope Pius V called on Catholics to pray to the Virgin Mother with their Rosaries and seek help. The battle victory was considered a direct result of Mary answering those prayers.

In 1844, Mary Help of Christians became the official patroness of Australia. The feast focusses on Mary’s help to those in need through her intercession to confront sin and to stand against anti-Christian forces.

A Prayer to Mary Help of Christians

Almighty God, deepen in our hearts

our love of Mary Help of Christians.

Through her prayers and under her protection,

may the light of Christ shine over our land.

May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.

Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.

Bless especially the men and women

of the Australian Defence Force and their families.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.

Please note, Mary Help of Christians Whole School Prayer Time run by Kindergarten has been moved to Tuesday 31st May at 2:30pm at St Michael’s Church. All are welcome to attend.

Religious Life of the School

Sunday’s Gospel- Parents are always helping their children prepare for something, whether that consists of getting ready for school, preparing for an exam, or making preparations to go on vacation. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus prepares his disciples for his Passion, death, and Resurrection. He promises his Holy Spirit, gives them the gift of his peace, and tells them not to be troubled.

As a family, talk about the kinds of events that you have prepared for together; surgeries, funerals, vacations, and first days of school are some examples. Talk about why it is important to prepare for important events in our lives. Then read aloud this Sunday's Gospel: John 14:23-29. Talk about how Jesus prepared his disciples for his Death and Resurrection and how he wanted them to be prepared for what would happen so that they would be able to believe.

Talk about how, as a family, you can prepare for Pentecost (only 2 weeks away), when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, our Advocate.

First Communion

Just a few dates for the diary

• Thursday 2/6 Year 4 Retreat at St Michael’s
• Thursday 2/6 Parent Information evening 6pm at St Michael’s Church
• The sacrament of First Communion will be celebrated on the weekend of 18 and 19 June 2022 (Corpus Christi Sunday) across the four Parish Sunday Masses

5pm - 18 June at St Monica’s Church – Evatt;

8am - 19 June at St Michael’s Church – Kaleen;

10am – 19 June at St Monica’s Church – Evatt; and

5.30pm – 19 June at St Michael’s Church – Kaleen.

Jessica Lewis and Laura Frogley