Last Saturday, children from St Therese Parish received the Blessed Eucharist for the first time. “Do you remember your ‘First Holy Communion?”

I think most Catholics would answer “Yes” to this question. The next question goes deeper and becomes more personal. “What did this mean to you then … and what does it mean to you now?”

There is a resurgence around the world, particularly of young adults looking for some spiritual meaning in their life, parents are presenting their children to Catholic Schools because they know there is a difference but often, neither can articulate what that meaning or point of difference is. Maybe, this is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, just planting a seed to see where it leads.

Please join with our parish community to pray for these children and their families as they embark on the next part of their faith journey.

Staff Illness

We seem to be entering into another period of illness that appears to be doing ‘the rounds’. Besides Mr Timpano, Mrs Maidment and Mrs Devine who are all on extended sick leave, there are a number of teachers (as well as quite a few students) requiring a few days leave recently.

Kinder Excursion

Kinders are very excited for their walking excursion to Wiseman’s Park, Gwynneville on Friday. This day has proved to be very successful in the past with children just carrying their water bottles while everything else, including sports equipment, is transported to the venue for them. Thanks in advance for all the parent support that has already be shown and for the volunteers who are joining the trek on Friday.

CDF Sports Awards

This annual event is being staged this Friday at St Mary’s, Star of the Sea College in Wollongong. It brings together, and acknowledges, the great achievements of students from across the diocese covering Primary and High School students. This year, we have

• Hunter Pantsos
• Jessica McLeod
• Lewis McLeod

all receiving awards for achievements in their chosen sports.

Kinder 2024 Playgroup Sessions

The third of the Kinder 2024 optional playgroup sessions continued today with next week being the final sessions

• Session One: 15 - 10.45am
• Session Two: 12pm - 1.30pm

Both Kinder teachers will be present at all the playgroup sessions which provides a great forum for getting to know the children in a relaxed and playful way.

Free NBN Broadband Opportunities for Families

The Federal Government is offering a number of families the opportunity of receiving free NBN Broadband for the next 12 months. To to eligible to apply, a family must:

• Have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school
• Have no active broadband service over the NBN network
• Live in a premise where they can access a standard NBN service
• Not have had an active NBN service during the previous 14 days.

If you feel that your family meet this criteria, please contact the school office for further details.

Parish Dinner

Fr Duane invites all parishioners to attend the next Parish Dinner:

• Friday, 17 November,
• 6pm
• Figgy Bowlo.

Please make your booking by contacting Mary O’Rourke

Ph 42273663 or maryo42@optusnet.com.au