First Reconciliation

The students are looking forward to celebrating the Sacrament of First Reconciliation nest Tuesday 8th of April at 6:30pm. 

If your family has more than 8 people attending the Sacrament please let Miss McQuirk know so that she can make sure there is enough space in the seating chart to accommodate. 

A message from our Youth Minister Julia about the Retreat Day last week 

Last Friday, the Year 3 students had the opportunity to join students from Holy Trinity Primary for their First Reconciliation Retreat Day, a special time to prepare those receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to teach all students about the importance of forgiveness in their spiritual journeys.

The day began with Mass, followed by a session with Fr. James, who answered students' questions about the sacrament, church life, and his experiences as a priest. Students then participated in two activities that explored different aspects of forgiveness and its significance.

The first session featured a guided meditation, where students listened to the Parable of the Lost Sheep, a story that teaches that every person is important to God. Just as a shepherd searches for a lost sheep, God never gives up on us, always calling us back when we stray. This activity helped students understand that no sin is too great for God's love and that His forgiveness is always available.

The second session combined drama and art to deepen students' understanding of forgiveness. In small groups, students performed role-plays based on real-life scenarios, exploring the challenges of apologising and making amends. After each skit, they reflected on how seeking forgiveness changes relationships and strengthens friendships.

As part of an art-based reflection, students created a Forgiveness Tree, a visual representation of God's mercy. Each student wrote something they wished to seek forgiveness for on one side of a paper leaf and, on the other side, a word or symbol representing God's love. These leaves were then placed on the tree, which is now displayed in Holy Trinity Church as a reminder of the healing power of Reconciliation.

At the end of the day, the students preparing for their First Reconciliation had the opportunity to visit the church and familiarise themselves with the process, including where to sit and what to expect during the sacrament, which will take place next Tuesday. Meanwhile, the students who were not making their First Reconciliation spent the afternoon playing games and building connections with students from Holy Trinity.

The retreat was a meaningful experience for all, reinforcing the values of forgiveness, empathy, and renewal in their faith journey.

Project Compassion 

Project Compassion gives us all the opportunity to stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities around the world, and create lasting change – together. By putting our faith and compassion into action this Lent, and fundraising for Project Compassion, we can help people in those communities lift themselves out of poverty, and change their lives forever.

To support our 2025 Project Compassion fundraising efforts, we are holding a uniform-free day on Thursday of Week 10. Students are encouraged to come in free dress and make a donation to this important cause. Donations can be made in cash on the day or via the school's QKR app under the fundraising section. Every contribution helps make a difference in the lives of those in need. Thank you for your support!

Easter Prayer Celebrations

All families are welcomed to join us in our Easter Prayer Celebrations. 

The Schedule is as follows: 

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year C  John 8:1-11 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives 

A woman, clothing in disarray, is dragged before Jesus to test his loyalty to the Law. She must be stoned to death. There is a total lack of interest in the woman, who must be caught in the act for the death penalty to apply. Confused and frightened, she is plaything for the scribes and the Pharisees to use against Jesus. Where is her male partner in the story? Jesus reverses that situation. 

Saint Augustine described this Gospel scene as an encounter between misera (a deprived and unhappy woman) and misericordia (the personification of mercy). Asking those of them without any failures to cast the first stone, he turns away and doodles on the ground. He is not interested in their deadly legal questions. 

As they all slink away, Jesus speaks to the woman. No one condemns her, least of all Jesus. She is no longer a ‘thing’ to be used and abused, but a person capable of relationship with God and with other people liberated by the love of God made visible by Jesus. He asks her to rejoin society: ‘go your way’, and to be attentive to God: ‘don’t sin anymore’. This is a Jesus that we must all come to love and imitate. 

From God’s Word, Daily Reflections, 2025

Yours in Christ, 

Andrea McQuirk 

Religious Education Coordinator