Religious Education News
Sunday 14 September 2025 – Exultation of the Cross
The Son of Man must be lifted up.
John 3:13-17
Gospel Reflection
The Sundays of Ordinary Time are interrupted this Sunday by the feast marking the Triumph of the Cross. The Cross is more than a well-known symbol; it is a reminder of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Last Sunday’s readings draw our attention to Christ’s triumph over death on the cross and his promise of eternal life for all who believe in him. Do your children know how to make the sign of the cross? This might be a good time to go through its meaning with them.
Father’s Day Blessing
The breakfast and Mass were a special time to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers and father figures in our lives. We would especially like to thank Fr John Hayers for joining us and giving the fathers a special Father’s Day blessing. The blessing was heartfelt and will be carried by many.
BLESSING FOR FATHERS AND CARERS
Loving God, bless these men, so they may be strengthened as Christian models of fatherhood. May their hearts be filled with generosity, kindness and compassion.
Grant that we may honour them always with a deep abiding love and a spirit of profound respect. May they go forth knowing that they are valued and appreciated for all that they are and all that they do.
Amen
Saints in our times
Last weekend, Pope Leo XIV canonised Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in Rome. While the ceremony was in Italy, the celebration – and the lessons – reached right into Australian Catholic schools.
Carlo Acutis – his extraordinary life, although very short, has impacted millions of people, particularly young people. Carlo was born on 3 May 1991 and died on 12 October 2006. He was only 15. He was the only child of wealthy, educated Italian parents who were not particularly religious. Carlo first learnt about God through his nannies and tutors.
Even as a toddler, he showed amazing awareness of the love of Jesus and was drawn to attending Mass. He was educated in Catholic schools and showed kindness to those kids who were being picked on. He always defended them. He loved nature, soccer and was active in clean-up campaigns. He also loved video games and became a web designer to help at his local church and also to continue to spread the Word of God, particularly about the Eucharist. His parents were encouraged to attend Mass. He never shied away from spreading God’s love to everyone. His life reminds us that being Catholic is not just about what we believe — it’s about how we live.
As Catholics, we are called to live out the Gospel in our everyday lives — to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus in the world. We reflect on the importance of kindness, compassion, and connection — values deeply rooted in our faith and in the life of Jesus.
First Reconciliation 2025 at St Martha’s Parish, Strathfield
First Reconciliation 2025 – Parent Information
We are pleased to invite families to enrol their children in the Sacrament of First Reconciliation for 2025 at St Martha’s Parish, Strathfield. To participate, children must:
- be in Year 2 or above in 2025
- have received the Sacrament of Baptism.
(If your child has not yet been baptised, please contact us to discuss arrangements.)
The Enrolment Fee is $50 per child, which covers the cost of workbooks and resources.
The Parent Information Session is scheduled for Monday 20 October 2025 at 6:00pm. Families will need to attend four sessions to be eligible to receive the sacrament and may choose either Thursday or Saturday sessions from Thursday 23 October at 3:45pm to Saturday 15 November at 3:45pm.
The Sacrament Celebration will be either Tuesday 18 or Wednesday 19 November 2025 at 6:00pm.
For more information, please contact the Sacramental Team at St Martha’s Parish on 9746 6131.
Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P-6