REC News
Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Rrevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was elected pope on 8 May, becomming the first US-born and second American pope. He brings a background of study in Rome, years of ministry in Peru, where he is a naturalised citizen, and leadership in the Augustinian Order. A mulilingual cannon lawyer and mathematician, he supports synodality and has served communities on the margins.
His chosen name reflects a committment to Catholic social justice, and his public support for margins, climate action, and abuse survivors signals a continued focus on key global issues. In his first messagem he called the Church to move forward united, without fear, guided by Christ.
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle joins the global Catholic community in welcoming Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Michael Kennedy said the election of a new Pope is always a moment of great significance and hope for Catholics and people of good will around the world.
“We give thanks to God for guiding the Church through this time of transition, and we place our trust in the Holy Spirit and the conclave’s decision,” Bishop Kennedy said.
“We look forward with confidence to his leadership and the ways in which he will be witness to the Gospel in today’s world. Leading the universal Church is an immense responsibility and as a Diocese, we pray he is given wisdom, courage and grace as he navigates the path ahead.”
Read a prayer for Pope Leo XIV below.
ANZAC Day March
Led by our school leaders Eli Lea, Scarlett Garrard, Nanma Joy and Mia Collins, Holy Name students and staff marched through the main street of Tuncurry to the War Memorial. It was wonderful to see our students march with such pride and reverence at this very special event. The ceremony that followed the March, was another chance for our students to join our community to honour the courage, sacrifice and legacy of those who have served our country- whether in wars, conflicts, peacekeeping or other operations- and their contribution towards our way of life.
Thank you to all of the families that bought their children to the ANZAC Day March.
Mother's Day
Holy Name Staff and students celebrated our mother's, grandmothers and mother figures at our annual Mother's Day Breakfast and Liturgy. This year mums enjoyed a coffee from 22 Grams Espresso with their bacon and egg roll.
Our School Leaders and SRC led the Mother's Day Liturgy and Yr 2 students led us all in song. This year's Mother's Day Power point was bigger than ever! We appreciate the time taken by our Yr 2 teachers for the studetnts to learn and share their songs with our community and to the Yr 1 teachers for displaying their Mother's Day art in the hall. Lastly a thankyou to the teachers who were at school by 6:30am to prepare,cook and serve the breakfast.
Every year celebrations to recognise and thank the mothers, fathers, grandparents and indigenous who are an important part of Holy Name, grows. We value these relationships, they are an important part of what makes Holy Name, Holy Name. Thank you for supporting and continuing to help build our school community, a community who strives to Belong, Learn and Serve, in His Holy Name.
Biggest Morning Tea
Holy Name strives to serve its community. One of our Mini Vinnie initiatives is to raise money for the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea. Our Year 5 Mini Vinnies canvassed in classrooms and whole school assemblies, created posters that were displayed on school playground walls and made a canva invitation for the school community posted on our School Facebook Page and Compass Platform. They raised $276.40. Thankyou to all families who donated baked goods for our Biggest Morning Tea at last week's Athletics Carnival. Below are our Mini Vinnies serve in action.
Catholic Schools Week
From 2 to 6 June, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week—a time to honour the vibrant communities within our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. This week highlights the dedication of staff, the growth of students, and the shared mission to nurture each child spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically. Catholic education is about helping every student flourish and become the person God calls them to be, through learning that inspires both the heart and mind.
We have much to be proud of in our endeavours to provide our young people with a well-rounded education that meets their needs today and for their future. We are deeply grateful for our thriving community, where teachers, parents and parish come together in unparalleled levels of care providing safe, supportive and inclusive surroundings which nurture students’ wellbeing, confidence and hope for themselves.
In this Jubilee Year, we are blessed with opportunities to share the love of Jesus Christ and remind ourselves that growing in faith builds firm trust in God’s promises. It is our trust in God’s promises that fills us with hope—even in our darkest moments, God's faithfulness never fades. May this week inspire us to live each day with joyful hearts and steadfast hope in the Lord.
We pray together:
Loving God,
May the God of hope fill us with joy and peace
as together we guide and nurture the minds and hearts of the young.
May the God of hope grant us wisdom to live with truth, patience to lead with compassion, and faith to inspire with love.
May we always find strength in the mission to reflect Christ’s light in our days, and may our work bear lasting fruit in the lives of those we love and serve.
Amen.
Classes attending Friday Parish Mass
Term 2 saw the return to classes celebrating mass on a Friday morning. Year 3 attended mass in Week 1 and Year 4 today. Fr John includes the children in this mass by inviting them to read the Universal Prayers and bring up the Offertory.
Caritas - Project Compassion
Our classes during the season of Lent were called on by Mini Vinnies to stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities around the world, joining together to Unite Against Poverty. Listening to this call, Mila Laraghy in Yr3 during her holidays made and sold braclets and raised at total of $70. She has donated this money to Caritas, who can make a real difference where it's needed most. Thank you Mila!
Parish News
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation preparation began three weeks ago led by Mrs Williamson and ladies who are part of the SRE Program in state schools. During their preparation the children have come to understand the connection of symbols, scripture and rituals of Baptism and Confirmation. The sixteen children have each chosen a confirmation name and can explain their reasons for chooosing a holy saint as their confirmation name. Bishop Michael will be confirming the following students on Friday 16th May at 6pm: Charbel Andary, John Andary, Enrico Azzopardi, Christopher Azzopardi, Oliver Quilter, Mackenzie Quilter, Emmanual Shibu, Franky Wall, Isabella Marchett Caberlon, Lika Zic, Elise Matlawski, Gracie Johson, Summer-Rose Jinks.
Congratulations to all. Please keep them in your prayers.
Term 2 Parish Mass at Holy Name School
As an initiative with Parish and School to further build our connections with one another the Sunday Parish Mass on Sunday 22nd June will be celebrated in our school hall at 9:30am. All families are welcome to join us at this mass. Celebrated by Fr John Vo Vien, our school student leaders and choir will lead us through the mass.
God bless,
Genevieve Williamson
Religious Education Coordinator