Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students, 

Starting this Friday 14 August students from Year Two and some students from other grades will participate in the celebration of their first Sacrament of Reconciliation. This celebration will be the first of six sessions and marks a clear collaboration between the school and the Parish. 

The Parish of St Anthony’s has been significantly challenged by the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic and as such, have had to re-imagine how they provide the opportunity for children in the Parish to celebrate the Sacraments this year. The model used for the implementation of the workshops and the actual celebration of the Sacraments, highlights the wonderful connection between school and Parish.

In celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation our children continue to develop their understanding that our God loves us and that He loves us unconditionally. In seeking forgiveness, the children begin to understand the Sacrament of Reconciliation is so much more than ‘saying sorry’. It is about examining their relationship with God, with themselves and with others. It is about acknowledging the break down in this relationship, seeking forgiveness and reconciling through words, actions and wanting to be a better person.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend Fr Peter for his openness and willingness to respond to the challenges of the world we live in, whilst always  holding the sacredness of providing children in the Parish, and their families, with the opportunity to celebrate their Sacrament this year.

I invite the whole Parish of St Anthony’s to pray for the children who, in the coming weeks, will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Loving Father

We ask that you help the children to be ready to 

receive the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

You know their loving hearts.

You know the areas where they need your forgiveness.

You know that they are sorry for the ways 

they have not loved others.

Send your Holy Spirit to soften their hearts

to receive your forgiveness.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Take Care

Mr Justin Devlin

Principal