A Christmas Message

As the year quickly now draws to an end, I wish to thank the students and their families and also the Holy Name Staff for helping us to build our community of faith. At Holy Name our mission is to Belong, Learn and Show Concern for Others, In His Holy Name. We are called to do this intentionally and willingly. We all have our own gifts of the Holy Spirit, a gift that is given to each person not just for ourselves but to build up the community and even society. Living our Gospel values and by experiencing and following the catholic traditions and rituals in Mass and Liturgies, we are bringing about building God’s kingdom together.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank two very special people who have shaped the Catholic culture of Holy Name. To Mrs Niamh Marzol, a sincere thank you to you for your steady leadership, warmth and guidance you have given us at Holy Name School these past six months. You got to know us so quickly and we feel you have been with us for so much longer. Our staff and students will miss you and send to you our best wishes as you leave us to commence your principalship at St Joseph’s of Lochinvar. And to Mrs Kristie Banham… we love you Mrs Banham, you have been an angel who walked among us, and we will be forever grateful. You have taught us the very essence of what it means to live like Jesus. We have been blessed to have had you be part of our school community, and although you are leaving to take up a position at St Dominics Mayfield, please know there are so many of your pastoral care initiatives woven into the fabric of who we are at Holy Name that will live on in your memory.  God Bless Mrs Banham!

May God’s good grace shine on you now Christmastime is here, followed by his blessings throughout a wonderful new year.

Parish News

A message from Fr John:

THE LATEST NEWS FROM OUR SAFEGUARDING PROMOTERS – 15 DEC 2024

The Promoters of Safeguarding continue to endorse a culture of safeguarding within the Parish.

To this end, we mention water safety for children over Christmas. The school year for children concludes this coming Wednesday, 18th December 2024, marking the commencement of the festive season which brings joy and relaxation, but it’s crucial to stay vigilant about water safety, especially for children. Whether at the beach, pool, or lake, constant supervision is key. Always designate a responsible adult as the ‘water watcher’ to keep an eye on kids at all times, avoiding distractions like phones. Teach children basic water safety rules, such as never swimming alone and swimming between the flags on a patrolled beach. Secure home pools with fences and gates and remove toys that may attract children to the water when not in use. Be mindful of inflatable Christmas toys or floats; they can give a false sense of security and are not a substitute for supervision. Historically, the time between Christmas and New Year is the most tragic week for drowning deaths in Australia BUT by prioritizing water safety, you can ensure a fun and accident-free Christmas holiday.

Annie Evans

Jubilee 2025

The 2025 Jubilee will officially open on December 24, 2024 at 7pm, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who will then preside over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord's Birth inside the Basilica.

Let us pray that the Jubilee Year of 2025 will strengthen us in our faith, helping us to recognise the Risen Christ in the midst of our lives, transforming us into pilgrims of Christian hope. Amen.

Genevieve Williamson

Religious Education Coordinator.