Religious Education in Del Monte

Prayer to Mary Help of Christians

O Most Holy Virgin Mary,
Help of Christians,
loving Mother and powerful protector of the Church,
we come before you with confidence and trust.
In every trial and difficulty,
be our refuge and our strength.
Protect our families, guide our hearts,
and lead us always closer to your Son.
O Mother of mercy,
obtain for us the grace
to remain faithful to the Gospel
and courageous in living our faith.

Watch over the Church,
bring peace to the world,
and strengthen all who call upon your help.
Mary, Help of Christians,
pray for us and protect us always.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Our Del Monte and Gioia House student representative leaders recently had the special opportunity to attend the Mary Help of Christians Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, joining with other Sydney Catholic schools for this significant celebration of faith.

The Cathedral was filled with students and staff from across the diocese, creating a strong sense of community and shared prayer. During the Mass, students reflected on the importance of Mary as a guiding presence in our lives and a model of faith, courage and trust in God.

Our student leaders represented our school with reverence and pride, participating respectfully throughout the liturgy. Experiences like this strengthen their understanding of leadership as service and their role in living out our Catholic values within our school community.

We are proud of the way our leaders represented our school and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this important feast day together.

Corpus Christi Sunday, 7 June

This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi. It is a special time to reflect on the gift of the Eucharist, where Jesus is truly present among us. As a community, we are invited to deepen our appreciation of this great mystery, giving thanks for the nourishment we receive through Holy Communion and the unity it brings to the Church. May we carry Christ’s presence into our daily lives through acts of love, service and compassion.

Corpus Christi began in the 13th century when a nun, St Juliana of Liège, encouraged the Church to have a special feast to honour the Eucharist. In 1264, Pope Urban IV made it an official feast for the whole Church. Since then, it has been celebrated as a way to give thanks for Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist and to remind us of its importance in our daily lives. It invites us not only to receive Jesus but also to live as His presence in the world – showing kindness, forgiveness and love in our homes, school and community.

Wednesday Morning Rosary

Our Wednesday morning Rosary will continue throughout the remainder of the year, beginning at 8:20am in the Del Monte Chapel. Having resumed during the month of May, this special time of prayer remains a meaningful opportunity for our community to gather in faith.

All members of our school community are warmly invited to join us as we come together in prayer to honour Mary and deepen our spiritual connection.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the sacrament in which the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the baptised, strengthening them to grow closer to Christ and live as His witnesses.

In the Sydney Archdiocese, Confirmation is celebrated in Year 6 (age 11+). Candidates must have received First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Each candidate chooses a sponsor (a practising, Confirmed Catholic over 16) and a saint’s name as a model of faith.

Confirmation 2026

St Martha’s Parish Strathfield warmly invites parents, carers and candidates to be part of a six-week preparation program led by Fr John, involving families, sponsors and students.

  • Eligibility: Year 6 or older; must have received First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
  • Parent Information Session: Tuesday 9 June, 6:00pm
  • Preparation Sessions:
    • Saturday 13 June, 3:30pm
    • Saturday 20 June, 3:30pm
    • Saturday 27 June, 3:30pm
    • Saturday 25 July, 3:30pm (includes rehearsal)
  • Sacrament: Sunday 2 August 2026, 12:30pm at St Mary’s Cathedral
  • Fee: $50 (covers workbook and resources).

Enrolment forms are available online or at the church foyer.

For more information, contact the Parish Office on 9746 6131 (option 3) or email sc@stmarthas.org.au.

May we keep Christ at the centre of all we do, growing in love, kindness and faith each day.
Blessings to all our families.


Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P–6