Dear Parents and Carers,

On Sunday, we celebrate the feast of Mary Help of Christians. Under this title, Mary is the patroness of Australia. On 24 May 1815, Pope Pius VII chose this day as thanks for his release from a prison term, imposed by Napoleon Bonaparte. The infant Church in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. In those early and mostly priestless days, it was largely the Rosary that kept the faith alive. Catholic Australia remained faithful to Mary, and was the first nation to choose her, under the title of Help of Christians, as principal Patroness in 1844.

RETURN TO SCHOOL

Obviously parents would be aware that remote learning is ceasing from tomorrow and the students are returning full-time from Monday 25 May. A letter is going home today on COMPASS explaining the continued measures that we are being asked to put in place. Many of these are aimed at promoting social distancing of adults whilst we are still in the midst of managing the COVID-19 virus. Whilst these may be inconvenient to some, adhering to them will keep everyone safe and happy at Stella Maris.

FOUNDATION DAY

Yesterday signified our school’s Foundation Day. In May 1958, Father Ekerick opened  Stella Maris School as a memorial to Father Smyth, the first Parish Priest. The school opened on Tuesday 20 May 1958 with three Sisters of Charity: Sister Regina Munce, Sister Catherine and Sister Francis as well as 46 students. From the very beginning of their time in Australia, the Sisters of Charity recognised the importance of being involved in the education of young children. They have continued their ministry in teaching and parish work at Stella Maris for over 60 years and currently Sister Kerry plays an important role in our parish and school. 

Our Foundation Day gives us an opportunity to thank God for the wonderful women and men who have, and continue to support us here at Stella Maris Catholic School and to look to the future with hope and trust.

WINTER UNIFORM

From next week students should now be wearing their full winter uniform including long sleeve shirts and ties. This has come just in time with the colder weather on our doorsteps. If you are still unable to source items of winter uniform, please contact the school office to make an appointment for the pre-loved uniform shop as we may have some as an interim measure until Lowes are back to greater supplies, especially in long-sleeved white shirts, track pants and the school jumper (all currently unavailable).

KINDER 2021 ENROLMENT INTERVIEWS

This week I have commenced interviews for prospective Kindergarten students for the 2021 school year. Given the unusual circumstances we are currently facing, the interviews will be conducted using Zoom, which will be a new experience for all concerned. These interviews will continue for the next month and letters of acceptance will be distributed during the last week of term.

REMOTE LEARNING

We continue to implement Phase 1 of the Return to School Plan, which is currently being implemented in all Wollongong Diocesan Schools. On the whole, the students have adapted well to the challenges of remote learning and have started to realise the importance of listening to and following instructions.

Once again I would like to thank our school community for coming together to support each other during this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can support you or your family in any way.

This Sunday’s Gospel,

Mt 28:16-20

Jesus sends forth the apostles with the promise to be with them always.

The Ascension of the Lord

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commandments I gave to you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Laudato Si Week 16 May - 24 May

It is five years since Pope Francis released his ground-breaking environmental encyclical, Laudato Si' On Care For Our Common Home.

Pope Francis speaks openly about the devastating effects of climate change on people and the planet. He says that climate change is real, urgent and it must be tackled immediately. 

To mark this milestone, Catholics world-wide are engaging in ecological celebrations and sustainability actions that demonstrate a commitment to making our world a better place.

As Catholics we are called to:

• uphold life and the human dignity of each person
• support families and future generations
• love the poor and vulnerable
• advocate for basic rights and a just economy
• be in solidarity with all, as one human family
• care for all God’s Creation

Grounded in our Catholic Tradition, now is the time to protect the earth for our children and grandchildren.

Prayer to Care for Our Common Home 

God of all, 

Creator and ruler of the universe, 

You entrusted your world to us as a gift. 

Help us to care for it and all people,

 that we may live in right relationship

-- with You, 

with ourselves, 

with one another, 

and with creation.

Christ our Lord, both divine and human, 

You lived among us and died to raise up humanity. 

Help us to imitate your love for the human family 

by recognizing that we are all connected—

to our brothers and sisters around the world, to those in poverty impacted by environmental devastation, 

and to future generations. 

Holy Spirit, giver of wisdom and love, 

You breathe life in us and guide us. 

Help us to live according to your vision, stirring to action the hearts of all — 

individuals and families, 

communities of faith, 

and civil and political leaders. 

Triune God, help us to hear the cry of those in poverty, and the cry of the earth, so that we may together care for our common home.

Amen.

LIVE STREAMING OF WEEKEND AND WEEKDAY MASSES 

via our parish Facebook page by Fr Joe

Weekday Mass at 7:00am

Sunday Mass at 9:00am

YOU CAN FIND THE ALL SAINTS PARISH BULLETIN ONLINE

On the All Saints parish website: www.allsaintscatholic.org.au 

Click on the link at the bottom of the page where it says Bulletin.PDF

Julie Hopkins

Acting Religious Education Coordinator