Upcoming events 

You are warmly invited to…

• 9/11    Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Parish Mass
• 11/11  Remembrance Day Liturgy 10.40 am in the FGC
• 12/11  G-Day Mass 9.30 am

Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move

This week, we celebrate our Catholic Mission Assembly, with special guest speaker Mark Raue, who will share inspiring stories of faith, service, and action connected to this year’s Mission theme.

Please keep in your prayers our First Holy Communion candidates and their families as they begin their preparation for this sacred Sacrament. May this journey be one of faith, reflection, and joy for all involved.

Our Year 5 Market Day for Catholic Missions will be held on Friday 31 October. Year 5 students and their families are busily preparing an exciting fundraiser filled with enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine spirit of service. All proceeds will support the wonderful work of Catholic Mission — hearts and hands reaching out to those in need.

A big congratulations and best wishes to our finalists in the Catholic Schools Christmas Art Competition! They will attend the official launch today at the Wollongong Art Gallery.

Next weekend, the Church celebrates All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. We remember and pray for all the saints who guide us by their example and for all souls who have gone before us — may they rest in the peace and light of Christ.

Why do Catholics ‘pray’ to saints?

It is a common and beautiful practice for Christians to turn to one another for support and encouragement as they journey through life. The Catholic way of ‘praying’ to the saints is simply an extension of this practice of drawing support from our faith family. Far from undermining adoration of God, devotion to the saints strengthens our love of God. Awareness of the saints raises our sights, empowers us to aspire to gospel qualities and helps us to see our earthly lives from the perspective of the promise of eternal life.

Vicki Johnson

Acting Religious Education Co-ordinator