A year of sacraments and spiritual growth

This year, 18 students from the St Mary’s College Junior School and seven from the St Virgil’s Junior School continued their faith journey by celebrating the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and First Eucharist, building on their first Sacrament of Baptism. One SVC student was even baptised just before making his First Reconciliation.

Since February, the students have prepared through weekly school lessons and several family sessions each term at the Cathedral Centre.

On Sunday 31 August, our students celebrated their First Eucharist at the 10.30am Mass at the Cathedral, marking the completion of this year’s program. They were joined by other participants in the Cathedral program, including students from various Catholic and Government schools.

As always, it was a joyful occasion. Year 4 student Saoirse Murphy had the special joy of celebrating with her grandparents, who travelled from Ireland for the occasion. As Frieda Miller (Year 3) was unable to attend on the day, she will celebrate her First Eucharist at the 10.30am Mass on Sunday 14 September.

Some students chose to complete the Sacramental Program in their own parishes. Congratulations to Caitlin McCulloch (Year 4), who celebrated at Corpus Christi, Bellerive, and Brigitte Gravell (Year 4), who did so at St Paul’s, Bridgewater. We commend them both for completing this important step in their faith journey.

Congratulations also to Amelia Santos (Year 5), who completed all three Sacraments in 2024 as part of the Cathedral group. This experience made her a wonderful support to her sister Aurelia, this year. Well done, Amelia!

If your baptised child (Year 3 or above) is ready to join the 2026 Sacramental Program, feel free to email me anytime at [email protected]. You can also keep an eye out for Cathedral notices, which will be advertised before the end of the year.

Margaret Rootes
Religious Education Learning Leader (Junior School)