Vinnies Knock On Effect
Vinnies changes lives every day, but they need our help. During the month of March Vinnies is running the ‘Knock On Effect’ campaign to highlight the knock on effects that donations, fundraising and awareness raising can have. The Knock On Effect appeal will replace the previous Doorknock Appeal to educate people about the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, recruit more members and volunteers, and raise funds for the society’s good works. Like a ripple effect, one $5 donation may not seem like much, but it can significantly assist in continuing Vinnies’ services and programs. With over 2 million people living below the poverty line in Australia, including over half a million children, your contribution allows the St Vincent de Paul Society to provide more than immediate help, it provides something much more valuable - the opportunity of a better life. Please join us in supporting those who need a hand up in challenging times. For more information head and to donate, head to  https://donate.vinnies.org.au/event/knock-on-effect

Holy Week Celebrations
In Week 9, students and staff will be celebrating the events of Holy Week, the most important week in the Catholic Church's calendar.

On Monday, classes will be participating in class or grade liturgy focusing on Palm Sunday.

On Thursday morning classes will join with their buddies to celebrate a Holy Thursday Liturgy and perform a washing of the hands as an act of service for each other.

On Thursday afternoon all classes will be led by their teachers through the Stations of the Cross, Jesus' journey to his crucifixion. 

St Joseph
Last Friday 19 March, we celebrated the feast of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.

The Letter marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To celebrate the anniversary, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St Joseph,” beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2020 and extending to the same feast in 2021.

Prayer to St Joseph  

Thank You

I want to thank you for a wonderful start to 2021. As a community we have accomplished many wonderful things in Religious Education during Term One from

prayer inquiry, refreshing our St Matthew’s school vision, to our work in Youth Ministry with our Year Six leaders. Being the Religious Education Coordinator has been a very life-giving role to blessed with and I look forward to returning in 2022 after maternity leave. I wish you and your families a very happy rest of 2021 filled with love, good health, and adventure.

God Bless

Mrs Louisa Mitchell.