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Primary Faith Education
Faith Education
We commenced the school year with a Mass prepared by the teachers, setting a wonderful example of what was to follow with Year level Masses. At this Mass we had the blessing and presentation of the Prefects’ and House Captains’ Badges. The Year level Masses are a central part of our Faith Development Programme. It has now become a tradition that the parents who attend Mass bring a plate and have morning tea in the Boardroom after Mass. It provides an opportunity for them to build on our community spirit. We did not have our regular chaplain Fr. John McGannon this year due to illness. Fortunately, Fr Michael McMahon generously came to our rescue. We thank him for all the time and effort he has put into our Faith Education Programme. One of the special occasions in first term was the Holy Week Paraliturgies. Once again staff and students did a superb job, making the whole experience very meaningful for everyone. The Confirmation Programme got off to an early start this year and we are very appreciative of the parents who hosted the Home Programme. This year Fr. Greg Carroll was our main celebrant, ably assisted by Fr. McMahon. Many thanks to all the parent helpers who contributed time and expertise in decorating the Chapel that created the ideal atmosphere for the celebration.
Gordon Dean First Holy Communion
On Friday 20th August, 2004, the Year Four boys at Trinity College made their First Holy Communion. This special Sacrament took place in the Chapel and Father John McGannon was the priest. We walked into the chapel with the candles that we made at Shoenstatt Shrine.
After the Eucharistic Prayers, we received our First Holy Communion. This was a very special time for us, because we were receiving Jesus’ body. We had waited a long time and now Jesus was with us to help to make us stronger and more like him. It was one of my favourite days in my whole life. I just liked it.
By Matthew Ulrich (4 Green)
Confirmation Retreat
The Year Seven Confirmation Retreat at Camp Kelly was a wonderful experience not only for the Year Seven boys but also for us parents lucky enough to share and be part of this faith practice. We arrived at Camp Kelly in the evening of the first day to a feeling of fun, excitement and anticipation to what the night would hold. Boys were playing football on the oval in the misty light of dusk before rushing off to have showers or to help prepare the dining area for mass or perhaps the most favourite activity of the whole night building the camp fire. Before dinner we celebrated Mass with Father Michael McMahon who drove down to Camp Kelly to share in this preparation for Confirmation and enjoy the evening with us. The whole atmosphere was one of caring companionship and having a good time with friends. The boys busily did whatever they could to help, with some already dressed in their pyjamas and ready for a fun night. The highlight of the evening for us parents was watching as our boys shared their positive thoughts and feelings about their peers by way of special notes and then watching the wonderful reactions to the letters of affirmation from their parents. The second day was greeted with great anticipation as the boys prepared for the river rafting adventure. We parents had almost as good a time as the boys, as we laughingly watched from the safety of the riverbank. The best part for us was that we stayed dry. We packed up our cold and wet boys, took them back to the camp for very welcome hot showers, more food and listened to their never ending chatter about who did the best.
It was then a time of relaxing over coffee for us as the boys joined together, quietly and meaningfully to share and reflect on their spiritual beliefs and recognise and affirm the special qualities of everyone there. This sharing gave the boys a greater understanding and appreciation of their peers and was a very special time together. Our own spirituality was enhanced from the experience of joining with our sons as they prepared for their Confirmation. All too soon it was time to pack up, clean up, take the last group photo and get all the boys onto the bus for the trip back to the college. We had a great time together and came away with many happy memories. The Confirmation Retreat was a very special and positive experience for us parents. The caring guidance and commitment shown by the teaching staff was apparent to us all with the boys treated as special individuals with their positive attributes valued and highlighted. Thank you for letting us be part of this wonderful experience.
The Year Seven Parents
