From the APRE desk
….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition
Dear Parents and Carers - Welcome to Week 4! Nearly half way through the term already! Can someone tell me how to stop time from moving so quickly please?
Our Term One fundraiser for Project Compassion has begun! Beginning today, Ash Wednesday, is the Lenten season. Lent is 40 days from Wednesday February 14 through to Holy Saturday March 30 where we make the time to stop and listen to our God. Prayer, fasting and giving to those in need is the focus for us during Lent.
Launch Mass on Sunday 11th February – Project Compassion Thank you to Lily, Parker and Joe for representing SSPS at Mass on Sunday. They were invited to be part of the Diocesan launch for Project Compassion and were commissioned to go into our school community as ambassadors to promote social justice. Take a look at the website, https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/stories to read more about how the funds we raise this term will assist those in need.
If you’d like to donate click here https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-saviours-primary-school-toowoomba We encourage the students to bring in any coins they may have to add to the Project Compassion boxes in their classrooms.
Wednesday 14th February – Ash Wednesday – Students in Years 3 -6 Ash Wednesday Liturgy attended their Liturgy at St Patrick’s Cathedral and Fr Michael visited the Prep – 2 classrooms throughout the morning. “Let’s be the best people we can be by giving, praying and fasting.” We spoke about if you “give up something for Lent” the idea is for us to think about those who go without all the time. Fr Michael reminded us to spend time this Lent to sit quietly and listen to God. The letters in SILENT also spell LISTEN. I hope you find time to sit in silence each day this Lenten season.
Pastoral Care for 2024 – If you know someone who is in need in our community, please let us know how we can provide practical helping hand to them. It could be as a simple as a phone call, arranging transport or providing networks of support. Thank you for assisting us to be able to reach out to those families. Give the office a call on 46 371 700 or email me on ann-maree.ward@twb.catholic.edu.au
Sacramental Program 2024 –
Students are invited to prepare for, and celebrate, the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Communion in Terms 1 & 2 this year. From this year and onwards, the program will be run directly through St Patrick’s Cathedral office, not the school. If you’d like your child to enrol your child/ren in the 2024 Sacramental Program, contact the Parish office directly Ph 46 371 500 or email admin@stpats.org.au The Parent information session will be held on Thursday 15th February at 7pm in the Cathedral centre.
A prayer to take with you into the weeks ahead…..The Power of a Whisper
Slow me down today, Lord,
and whisper a word or two - or more,
in the quiet of my mind and heart...
When I'm cursing myself or others,
whisper words of blessing...
When I'm judging another's words and deeds,
whisper words of patience...
When my voice is still and silent,
whisper words that I might speak...
When I'm saying much too much,
whisper words to shut me up...
When I've failed and when I've sinned,
whisper words of pardon...
When I'm facing loss and grief,
whisper words of consolation...
When I'm stuck in my own foolishness,
whisper words of wisdom...
When I'm confounded and confused,
whisper words of counsel...
When I'm caught up in my lies,
whisper words of truth.
When life is just too tough to take,
whisper words of hope...
When my heart is broken, hurt and wounded,
whisper words of healing...
When I'm at war with my neighbor or myself,
whisper words of peace...
Slow me down, Lord,
and help me find a quiet place to hear
the whisper of your word...
Slow me down today, Lord,
and whisper a word or two - or more,
in the quiet of my mind and heart...
Amen.
- Rev. Austin Fleming
Have a great week and thanks for reading!
Ann-Maree
Our Year 6 students pictured below on Shrove Tuesday beginning their Lenten journey with a prayer circle and pancakes kindly made by Mrs O'Brien.
