Spiritual Programme

Above: Archbishop Hickey with Confirmation Candidates Back row L– R: Kristian Ostle, Nicholas Barbas, Danny McAuliffe Middle row: Aaron Mayo, Matthew Tropiano, Michael Mather Front : Archbishop Hickey Below: Year 7 Confirmation Candidates surround Archbishop Hickey Back Row L– R: Taylor Matthews, Brendan Maher, Lee Hutchings, Mark Bartels Middle row: Jason Da Silva, Joshua House Front: Archbishop Hickey

All classes had opportunities to prepare School Eucharists this year. Teachers placed a great deal of emphasis on these Masses to make them special for the boys preparing the Mass as well as for the rest of the school community.

Special thanks to Fr. John McGannon for leading our Eucharistic Celebrations. He always has a good story to share and Fr. John always relates well with the boys. He has developed a special rapport with the students and they responded very well to him.

Father John has also been a central figure in our Sacramental Programmes this year. Besides being part of the main celebrations he has also supported the staff by attending parent information evenings and being very involved in all class liturgical programmes.

Term 1 commenced with our Holy Week Assemblies. Year 4 Green was responsible for Palm Sunday, 5 Green Holy Thursday, 6 Green Good Friday and 7 Green Easter Sunday. Needless to say, teachers highlighted the significance of these events and created a very prayerful atmosphere.

Confirmation

Our Confirmation Programme ran very smoothly, thanks to the generosity of all parents who facilitated the Home Programme. Families had an opportunity to explore the significance of the Sacrament as well as support their sons in a very intimate way.

Thanks to Ryan Chitty and Tony Maxfield for preparing the boys in class as well as leading the boys on the retreat at Camp Kelly.

We were fortunate to have Rev. Archbishop Barry Hickey as our main celebrant for the Confirmation. The Chapel was beautifully decorated, as usual, thanks once again to our parents who always put in so much hard work. Fr. Michael McMahon concelebrated with the Archbishop and he also gave generously of his time to attend our retreats and celebrated a very personal Mass with the boys.

First Holy Communion

Our First Holy Communion took place on the 23rd August, 2002. The parent helpers did a wonderful job preparing the Chapel which helped to make our celebration extra special.

The programme involved six weeks of preparation and included a day retreat at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale. The boys visited the Shrine and Sr. Lissett reminded them how special they are in the eyes of God.

The boys also made a First Holy Communion candle which was used at the Mass. We enacted the last supper and the boys made the bread for this. Sr. Lissett was very impressed with the knowledge displayed by the boys and their active participation in all activities.

All boys were well prepared to receive the Sacrament and I am sure that they will remember their First Holy Communion Day for many years to come.

Mr Gordon Dean