A Joyful Beginning: Our Opening School Mass

As we step into a new year, our school community came together this week to celebrate Mass at All Saints, Shellharbour. This sacred gathering serves as a powerful reminder of who we are as ‘Corpus Christi’—the ‘Body of Christ.’ United in faith, we reflected on our school’s identity and mission, reaffirming that we are truly ‘Members of the Vine.’

This special celebration would not have been possible without the dedication and talents of many. A heartfelt thank you to our musicians and choir, whose beautiful contributions enriched the liturgy and created an atmosphere of reverence and joy. We are also deeply grateful to Fr Joe, who continues to guide and support us as our Parish Priest, leading us in faith and unity.

May this celebration be a source of inspiration as we embark on the year ahead, strengthening our bonds as a community and living out the values of Corpus Christi in all that we do.

Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday 

As we prepare for the season of Lent, we invite our school community to take part in two important traditions.

On Shrove Tuesday, pancakes will be on sale, continuing the long-standing custom of enjoying a final feast before the fasting and reflection of Lent. Be sure to grab a delicious treat and support our fundraising efforts!

The following day, on Ash Wednesday (5 March), we will mark the beginning of Lent with the distribution of ashes:

• Years 7-9 will receive their ashes during Session 1
• Years 10-12 will receive their ashes during Session 3

Ash Wednesday calls us to prayer, repentance, and renewal. As we enter this sacred season, we are reminded of the importance of being present—to God, to ourselves, and to those in need.

Ways to be present during Lent:

• To God – Set aside time for prayer, attend Mass, or reflect on Scripture.
• To Yourself – Embrace fasting and self-discipline, focusing on personal growth.
• To Others – Give generously through acts of service, kindness, and charity.

Let us journey through Lent with open hearts, growing in faith and compassion together.

Easter Egg Appeal

Each year the students at Corpus Christi are asked to bring in easter eggs to donate to the Wollongong Hospital  Children’s Ward. Unlike most of our families at Corpus Christi who get to wake up on Easter morning and spend time celebrating with each other, some children are waking up in a hospital bed, some who have been there for more time than in their own homes. The joy and smiles on the faces of the children in the hospital when our students go to deliver the easter eggs donated by the students is something that could warm anyone's heart. This year we ask that once again you all find it in your hearts to share the happiness that chocolate can bring to those children who are struggling. Our Easter Egg Appeal will run from Week 5 to  Week 9 and each Learning Circle Learning Advisor will collect the eggs during Learning Circle each morning.

All Saints Parish News

RECONCILIATION- Year 2 or Older

Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance Saturday 5th April 2025 at 11 am 

CONFIRMATION - Year 6 or Older 

Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation  Tuesday 1st July & Wednesday 2nd July 2025 7 pm

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION - Year 3 or Older 

Celebration of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion Sunday 23rd November 11 am

Bishop Brian Mascord - Visitation To All Saints Catholic Parish 

Bishop Brain Mascord will be visiting All Saints Parish from Friday 28 March 2025 to Sunday 30th March 2025. The aim of Bishop Brian’s visit is to help All Saints Catholic Parish to look at itself and to make an assessment on:

• Where our parish is going
• How we are translating our basic evangelising thrust as disciples of Jesus in to action
• What we as a parish have achieved and are doing well, also 
• What we are not doing
• What needs are confronting us in our parish
• How we can best use all the talents, resources, goodwill and generosity that already exists in our parish community

We are looking forward to Bishop Brian visiting our wonderful parish and community at Mass on Saturday 29 March at 5.00 pm and Sunday 30 March at 9.00 am.