Dear Families,

In the Catholic Church, August is traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and because her heart always leads us to her Son, August is devoted to Mary’s Immaculate Heart.

In August, we celebrate the Feast Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 (a solemn feast marking her being taken body and soul into heaven) and the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 22 (acknowledging her as Queen of Heaven and Earth).

These feasts make August a suitable time to reflect on her Immaculate Heart, which rejoices in God’s glory. It is a special way of drawing us closer to her maternal love and her deep union with the Heart of Jesus. This devotion highlights Mary’s interior life, her joys, sorrows, virtues, and above all, her pure and loving heart, perfectly aligned with the will of God.

Let August be a time to let Mary’s heart shape yours, gentle, humble, and courageous.

Faith & Sacramental Life

As we journey through Term 3, our hearts turn to a very special occasion in the spiritual lives of our students. Our Year 3 children are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion, a sacred step in their faith journey. We ask that you keep these students in your prayers as they reflect, learn, and grow closer to God.

The celebration of First Holy Communion will take place at St Patrick's Church, Ingham, on Sunday, September 14th. We look forward to gathering as a community to support and celebrate this beautiful milestone.

Social Justice Sunday - 31 August 2025

In Australia today, many people are facing very tough times. Sadly, more than 273,000 people needed help from homelessness services last year, and many of them are also struggling with their health. Sometimes, there are not enough services to give everyone the care and support they need.

This year’s Social Justice Statement reminds us to follow the example of Jesus, who always noticed, listened to, and cared for people who were left out or in need. Just as Jesus healed the blind man Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46–52), we too are called to open our eyes and hearts, and to respond with kindness and compassion to those who are struggling.

This Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis reminded us that we are all “Pilgrims of Hope.” Let us be a community that brings healing, dignity, and hope. Let us walk with those who are homeless and mentally unwell, not just as service providers, but as neighbours and friends.

A Prayer for Pilgrims of Hope 

O God, Source of all Life, you created earth as our home and us in your image, out of love. Set our hearts astir with that same love, that we might build a culture of encounter and systems that justly serve those living in homelessness and mental ill-health.

Jesus our Brother, you noticed those living on the edge, listened, healed and served them, out of love. Move us from our embarrassment or discomfort by those who show us your suffering face. Instead, may we be taught by them, offer our loving friendship and share your good news together. 

Holy Spirit, Source of all Hope, you inspire our relationships with transforming power, out of love. Deepen our vision and enlarge our hearts so that the fear and isolation of homelessness and mental ill-health may be countered by love’s warmth and certainty, that we might walk together as pilgrims of hope. 

Amen.

Season of Creation

Season of Creation is a beautiful, ecumenical celebration observed from September 1 to October 4, culminating on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. It’s a time when Christians around the world unite in prayer, reflection, and action to care for our common home and renew our relationship with all of creation.

2025 Theme: Peace with Creation

Inspired by Isaiah 32:14–18, this year’s theme calls us to restore justice and harmony between humanity and the Earth. The symbol is the Garden of Peace, featuring a dove with an olive branch—echoing the biblical image of hope and renewal after the flood.

Why It Matters

• It echoes Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ call to ecological conversion and care for our planet.
• It invites communities to repent, reconcile, and renew their commitment to environmental justice.

It’s a chance to celebrate creation through liturgy, art, education, and advocacy.

God Bless.

Mr Moris Gori