Dear Colleagues,

Lenten Season

As we approach the sacred season of Lent, we take this time to reflect on our journey of faith, renewal, and community.

On Shrove Tuesday, March 4^th, also known as Pancake Day, we embrace a tradition of preparation before Lent. It is a time to come together in fellowship and gratitude.

On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we begin the solemn journey of Lent, marked by prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness.

During these 40 days, let us embrace the call to self-examination with humility and honesty. Let us acknowledge our shortcomings and mistakes and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. But let us also celebrate our strengths, successes, and the many blessings surrounding us. Lent also allows us to restore and repair relationships that matter to us.

Wishing you a blessed Lenten season filled with peace, reflection, and abundant blessings. 

Lenten Prayer

This Lent, Lord, help me leave behind the distractions of my daily life and make this a time of spiritual retreat, of letting go all that holds me back from taking the risk of drawing closer to you, allowing your Spirit to lead me, and speak to my heart.

Forty days, or four, or forty minutes or four! Whatever I can manage! The time spent is not the key, I know, but my willingness to look into my frailty, and then to trust in You and to seek your will for me.

Amen.

 St Michael’s Primary School Nelson Bay

St Michael’s Primary School, Nelson Bay, welcomed this year's Kindy students with brand new facilities. 

Hear from some of the Kindy students as they tell us about their first day in the new space. 

Diocesan Primary Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all our swimmers who competed in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Primary Swimming Carnival yesterday at The Forum.

A special shout-out to our record breakers:

Isabel Smith of St James’ Kotara South: 10 yrs 50m freestyle time 33.86 broke 2011 record of 34.10

Billie Eder of St Joseph’s Charlestown: Snr Girls 50m Backstroke time 34.20 broke 2010 record of 35.52

Grace Skehan of St Mary’s Warners Bay: Jnr Girls 50m butterfly time 37.38 broke 1997 record of 37.50

Reminder – Jubilee Year Walk – Sunday 2 March 2025

You're invited!

On Sunday, 2 March, The Cathedral Precinct will transform into a family-friendly event with free food trucks, ice cream, amusements, entertainment, and an obstacle course.

The morning will start at 8 a.m. with a walk from Foreshore Park to Sacred Heart Cathedral (4km) with Bishop Michael—our chance to be Pilgrims of Hope! 

Walk side by side with families and staff from our parishes, schools, agencies, and ministries, and then join us for Mass at 10 a.m. before the Festival of Hope kicks off at 11 a.m.

Join us. Everyone is welcome!

St Peter’s Primary School Stockton – First School Visit for 2025

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to Michael Punch and his staff for their commitment to our students and the school community at Stockton. Your hard work, passion, and care shape not only the minds of our learners but also their character and future.

Your efforts—whether in the classroom, administration or behind the scenes—do not go unnoticed. Each of you plays a vital role in creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment, and I sincerely thank you.

As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to take pride in the impact you make every day.

System Leaders Day – Friday, 28 February 2025

I want to sincerely thank you for attending our System Leaders Day. Your presence, insights, and leadership are invaluable in shaping the future of our schools and communities. Your contributions to our discussions and collaboration with fellow leaders make these gatherings impactful.

You are tasked with creating the environment for faith and learning to flourish. You provide the foundation upon which relationships thrive. You work and walk alongside and in genuine partnership with parents and carers. You set standards for excellence. You guide and mentor, challenge and inspire.

You stand with me in this critical work. Together, we are leading through.

With my best wishes,

Jacqui