Special Character

20 Maramamārua - 20 December 2023

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS

We are still looking for Children who would like to be involved in the Christmas Vigil 6pm Mass at St Francis de Sales. We are looking for Altar Servers, readers, offertory and someone to lay Jesus in the crib. If you are interested please email either: Maria at marialagruttaelenio@gmail.com or Kathy at gandksharpe@gmail.com.

All children are encouraged to come along and sit together at the front to sing the christmas carols. We will meet at St Francis de Sales church on Saturday 23 December at 11am to learn the carols and go though the readings.

Christmas Eve Mass Sunday 24 December:

-6pm Family Mass St Francis de Sales

-7.30pm Family Mass St Anne’s

-9pm Night Mass St Francis de Sales

CHRISTMAS DAY MONDAY 25 DECEMBER

9am Mass St Anne's

9am Mass St Francis de Sales

13 Maramamārua - 13 December 2023

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS

Calling all Children who would like to be involved in the Christmas Vigil 6pm Mass at St Francis de Sales. We are looking for Altar Servers, readers, offertory and someone to lay Jesus in the crib. If you are interested please email either: Maria at marialagruttaelenio@gmail.com or Kathy at gandksharpe@gmail.com.

All children are encouraged to come along and sit together at the front to sing the christmas carols. We will meet at St Francis de Sales church on Saturday 23 December at 11am to learn the carols and go though the readings.

CHRISTMAS MASSES IN THE PARISH

Christmas Eve: Sunday 24

6pm Family Mass St Francis de Sales
7.30pm Family Mass St Anne’s
9pm Night Mass St Francis de Sales

Christmas Day: Monday 25

9am St Anne’s
9am St Francis de Sales

Ranginui Badge Awards

Special congratulations to these year 8 students who received their overall excellence award: Elijah S, Michael C, Jonathan, Lorenzo P, Charlie K, Mahlee HB, Isabelle M, Cielo Q, Gabriella DG, Claudia S and Isabel M

6 Maramamārua - 6 December 2023

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME 2024

The Catholic Parish of Wellington South warmly invites your child to become a candidate in the Sacramental Programme.

This programme is available to all children who have been baptised into the Catholic faith and reached Year 4 or above in the primary school system.

During the course of the year, candidates work through the programme with the assistance and support of their families and the Parish to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Sessions are a mixture of home and parish-based learning.

This is a rewarding and deeply spiritual experience designed to give all those involved a closer relationship to God and a deeper understanding of our faith.

A hard copy will be sent home on Friday with your child/ren Please complete and return to the parish office as soon as possible.

MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH

Dear Parishioner

We are writing to you at Christmas time to introduce Fr Ravi Kumar (Assistant Priest) who is new to our Parish.

If you are interested in a visit from our Priest for Holy Communion, Prayer, reconciliation, a blessing, or a discussion, please let the Parish know at the above address or Fr Ravi can be contacted at ravikmcal@gmail.com

For your information I include the Mass times for this Christmas:

Christmas Eve: Sunday 24

6pm Family Mass St Francis de Sales

7.30pm Family Mass St Anne’s

9pm Night Mass St Francis de Sales

Christmas Day: Monday 25

9am St Anne’s

9am St Francis de Sales

10.30am St Bernard’s School Hall

NATIVITY PLAY

If you are interested in running a live nativity play at the St Francis de Sales Christmas Eve mass this year, please contact Fran on francesca.peters@sfds.school.nz for more information.

CONGRATULATIONS ..

..to the following students who received a certificate at our last school hui:

Jonathan G, Heidi J, Tom K, Lani P, Isla K, Mahlee HB, Victoria M, Shreya CB, Maddox S, Talyia RH, Arija J, Michael P, Emma Z, Santi PG, Emmy T, Darragh M, Nunzio U, Noah W.

Congratulations to Avila who won the house cup for the most values cards earned and to Minab MC who won The Empire Cinema voucher in the values card draw.

Sacramental pamphlet 2024.pdf

29 Maramamātahi - 29 November 2023

This Sunday is the start of our season of hope, of preparation for the birth of Jesus - we call this season Advent.

Christmas can also be a season of sadness for many, and of fear for others. Please keep people who see Christmas as a time of suffering rather than joy in your prayer.

Caritas offers a range of options to give a gift to those who need support for Christmas. Maybe this is something that you and your family may like to talk about and give to.

22 Maramamātahi - 22 November 2023

Religious Education

In 2024, we will begin exploring the new Religious Education Curriculum, Tō Tātou Whakapono starting with our Year 1-3 ākonga, and continuing up through the year groups as the resources are released to us. Through this curriculum, we want to encourage anticipation, joy and hope through learning experiences. This, in turn, can be a springboard for faith and action expressed in daily encounters for our young people’s lives. Personal ‘faith’ is about a relationship with God, and as RE teachers we play an important support role. Learning is integrated across the curriculum, especially outside of RE, with knowledge and understanding developed in ways that are relevant to ākonga.

Ākonga experience rich relevant, meaningful, local learning experiences focussed on key themes as is relevant to our changing SFDS community:
- Te Atua God
- Te Rongopai The good news
- Ā Tātou Whakapai Our story
- Kia Noho Hāhi Being Church

And cross themes:

Mana Tapu Grace
Aroha Pūmau Holiness
Whakaaronui Wisdom
Tika Justice
Īnoi Prayer

While living out seasons and feasts within the liturgical year, sacraments within the Catholic Church, and catholic social teaching across all learning levels.

15 Maramamātahi - 15 November 2023

School Value: Kindness – Atawhai.

We are now focusing on the value of Kindness – Atawhai. At SFdS, atawhai means using a friendly voice, thinking of others’ feelings, sharing, gentle hands and feet, including others, thanking others, being thoughtful.

Years 1 – 5: Being sympathetic when others hurt themselves, share, help others, be friends with everybody and include others.

Years 6 – 8: Help others without expecting anything in return, practise random acts of kindness, include others and look beyond your friendship group, be kind to your family members and acknowledge the things they do for you every day.

Mission Fair Thank you!

A huge thank you to everyone for supporting our Mission Fair. We raised $2100 for Charitas!

SAVE THE DATE

Yesterday an invitation for all whānau to come and watch our SFDS 'Jesus' Christmas Party' nativity play was sent out via Hero!

This event will be just what you need to get into the Christmas spirit. With support from the PSL, we will also be having some yummy treats and raffle prizes!

FYI - Your child has been sent home a lyric sheet of 'Mary's Boy Child' so they can practice at home. There are a lot of different versions of the song, so here is a link for the version we will be singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8amHW-xdbzE&ab_channel=Jesus4Life

8 Maramamātahi - 8 November 2023

Dear God,

Give us the courage to overcome anger with love,

We pray for the children

Who were born to know war,

who were born to know grief,

who were born to know violence.

May they learn gentleness,

May they learn joy

May they learn peace.

1 November 2023: All Saints Day

Thank you to those parents and friends who joined us for our All Saints Day Mass this afternoon. After the fun of the children's 'trick-or-treat' yesterday, All Saints Day is about remembering and praying for Saints. Saints are people who have passed away, and have been 'canonised' - officially recognised by our Church becuase they devoted themselves to service, social justice and prayer during their lives. Each of the saints has a particular miraculous event associated with them.

We pray that Venerable Suzanne Aubert will one day be recognised in this way. She continues to provide a wonderful example to us - because of her service, care and commitment to those in need in Aotearoa NZ.

Our Gospel Value focus at present is Love - Aroha

This looks like...

Caring for all, respect, sharing resources, being kind and thoughtful, thinking of others, being inclusive of all, and realising that God’s love is constant.

Years 1 – 5: To feel loved, secure and included not only in your family but also in the school community. To understand that although people are different everybody deserves to be loved. To show love to animals, nature, people and the environment. To love God even though you can’t see God.

Years 6 – 8: Recognising their individuality and loving their unique qualities. To understand that love is unconditional. To love God even though you can’t see God.

2023 Catholic Character Review

each year we carry out a self-review into an aspect of our Catholic Special Character. Madeline Smith, who is our DRS (Director of Religious Studies) presented this review to the Board of Trustees on Monday evening this week. Here is the review for your interest also.

18 Oketopa 2023

NEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM

Yesterday our Director of Religious Studies, Madeline Smith, supported our teachers to grown their understanding of the new Religious Education Curriculum for Catholic Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are really looking forward to implementing Tō Tātou Whakapono Our Faith more and more over time, as our understanding grows.

ALL SAINTS' DAY

A reminder that your whānau are invited to join us at our school mass to celebrate All Saints Day, on Wednesday 1 November at 1.30pm.

MISSION FAIR
We are excited to announce our annual Mission Fair, a charitable fundraising event organised by the Year 7 and 8 ākonga. Mission Fair is for our students and will take place during school time on Friday 3rd November 2023.

This event is an opportunity for our students to come together and support the work of Caritas, while enjoying a day of fun, food, and games. The fair will feature delicious treats and homemade goodies, games and prizes, as well as other raffles and exciting activities.

In order for your child/ren to buy items at the fair, we kindly ask parents/caregivers to purchase a ‘money card’ on Kindo. Each card is worth $5. All items/games/raffles at the fair will be in the range of .50c to $2. You may purchase more than one ‘money card’ however, we would like a limit of $10 per child. Students will be provided with their ‘money card’ on the day so they can purchase at the various stalls.

In an effort to be more considerate to our environment, we also invite students to bring a lunchbox, container or cup should they wish to purchase any food, thereby reducing the need for single-use or disposable items.

The Mission Fair is not only a wonderful opportunity for us to support Caritas, but also a chance for our students to showcase their creativity, teamwork, and organisational skills. Your support at the Mission Fair will make a significant impact to those in need through the charitable work of Caritas. Together, we can help build a better, more compassionate world.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT NEEDS YOUR HELP

This project has been running since 2015. This is a long time for our communities to be committed to providing quality household goods and pantry items. We are so grateful to all those communities who are committed to regularly providing goods and who have made this project possible.

Newly arriving families are also being settled in the Wairarapa and Levin. Rightly so our parish communities in those areas are supporting the local resettlement efforts. This means that greater pressure now falls on to the remaining communities to keep on supporting this ongoing project in the Wellington area.

We really need your help:

Option 1 – become one of our regular volunteer groups who provide a house pack and pantry items once or twice a year. We will provide you with a list of items

Option 2 – gather some likeminded people together and start fundraising so that Catholic Social Services can purchase household items and pantry packs as we need them

Option 3- Be an ongoing gatherer of good quality electrical goods and kitchen ware to donate over the course of a year. (To be stored at CSS) The following items are the ones most in need.

• Electric Jug

• Microwave

• Rice cooker

• Vacuum cleaner

• Pots and pans

• Dinner set

• Cooking utensils.

If you would like to participate please contact us at refugees@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz

Thank you !

Kamau Holland

Director Catholic Social Services

11 Oketopa 2023

PRAYER FOR PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

E te Ariki,

We lift before you all the people of the Holy Land and ask for a restoration of a lasting and just peace in the land. We pray for the safety of aid workers and their families and for all people they come into contact with. Give grace to political leaders and authorities that they may seek lasting solutions that promote justice, peace and reconciliation. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all during these challenging times.

Amene.

(Caritas NZ)

ALL SAINTS' DAY

In our catholic faith, we celebrate the lives and contributions of people who have gone before us. Throughout our history, many of these people have been recognised by our Church as being a 'saint' - these are people whose impact on others, through prayer and actions, has led to 'miracles' (extraordinary and welcome events that are not explicable by natural or scientific laws and are therefore attributed to a divine agency). They provide wonderful examples for us to look to and learn from - in ways to behave, how to be strong in the face of criticism and persecution, how to care for the needs of others.

Each year, on All Saints' Day, we celebrate all saints and this year we will celebrate with a school mass. We will celebrate known and unknown saints. It is the perfect mass to connect to our strand for this term - the Communion of Saints! Our school mass will be on Wednesday 1 November at 1.30pm. You are warmly invited to join us in the celebration in the church.

20 Hepetema 2023

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Huge congratulations to all the children who made their First Holy Communion at Sunday's Mass, especially to the following St Francis de Sales ākonga:

Jack C, Thalia C, Willow SE, Saoirse HK, Fletcher K, Olivia K, James K, Victoria McP, Harriet McP,

Isabelle M, Charlotte M, Amelia McG, Lucas L, Miriam P, Michael P, Sofia P, Brady P, Elijah S, George T, Otto T, Dallas T, Nunzio U, Declan W, Audrey W & Chiara Z

We pray that you feel the warmth and comfort of the Lord’s love with you every day.

Fr Doug spoke about the importance of parents as the first, and most important, teachers of their children in relation to their Catholic faith. As a school we work hard to help with this. Father reminded our whānau that it is important to keep attending Mass with your child, so that they feel part of a community and are supported in their faith.

We pray that parents and whānau can be strong role models of practicing their faith to their children.

13 Hepetema 2023

HOLY COMMUNION MASS

Please come and join us on Sunday 17 September to help celebrate the 26 St Franics de Sales children making their First Holy Communion.

6 Hepetema 2023

Baptism Liturgy

On Wednesday 20 September our school is coming together to celebrate the baptism of some tamariki in our community! The liturgy will be held at St Francis de Sales church at 2pm. We extend a warm welcome to you, our community, to also join in the celebrations on this special day.

If you are interested in getting your child baptised, feel free to contact me (madeline.smith@sfds.school.nz) - it is not too late to also participate!

Congratulations to the following students who received a values certificate at our school hui on Friday for the value of Generosity

Bodhi B, Rosie M, Alba T, Ella L, Nadal T, Cian HK, Lily RR, Harriet M, Joshua H, Asgedet C, Robert S, Asher B and Valentina DG.

Congratulations to Avila house who won the house cup for the most values card earnt and to Otto T who won the Empire voucher in the values card draw.

30 August 2023

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

1st session Sunday 3 September
2nd session Sunday 10 September
Practice session Saturday 16 September at 4pm
Holy Communion Mass 10.30am on Sunday 17 September

HELP NEEDED

We are looking for a group of parents to help with the Communion breakfast as well as decorating the hall and clean up after.

If you are able to help out with this, please contact Fran on: francesca.peters@sfds.school.nz

Decorating can be done during practice on the Saturday.

If anyone can bake a special Holy Communion cake please let Fran know on the above email.

A few things to remember for the Holy Communion Day
• All children must be there at least quarter of an hour before Mass starts
• There will be a Holy Communion breakfast in the Hall after Mass
• We ask each family to bring 2 plates of food – one for the kids and one for the adults
• Please leave the food in the Hall kitchen on your way into Mass
• Clothing: The dress code is “something white”. That’s a white shirt for the boys and a white top or dress for the girls. NO jeans, NO shorts. Long wedding dresses and veils are not encouraged.

DAFFODIL DAY THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Daffodil day last Friday! We have so far raised $363! This is still open on Kindo if you have not donated yet.

16 August 2023

Yesterday was the Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Treading the Footsteps of Mary (An excerpt from a piece written by Fr James Lyons).

"Hail Mary full of grace. The Lord is with you… These words announced the beginning of a life-change for a young Hebrew girl that would impact on the rest of human history, and indeed the history of the whole world. Mary found herself in the company of God, and in that companionship was placed above every other creature in heaven and on earth.

Our Catholic tradition finds it easy to honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus and to see her as a great intercessor for all people, especially those struggling with suffering, doubt, fear, or any weakness. But this “ease” of devotion also places a huge responsibility on us, for Mary is not a woman to be taken lightly. To look up to her, to honour her, is to be immediately challenged to imitate her.

Mary, as the one who opened the door for God to enter our world in our humanity, shows us what can happen when a person gives themselves entirely to the realm of the Spirit. The Almighty has done great things for me. Mary recognised that her life, her very being, became an Ark, a Sacred Tent, providing a home for God as she willingly and lovingly gave herself in response to God’s word; and the greatness of God became wonderfully visible in her life.

Pope Francis brought Mary into his 2015 Letter to the world about the care of our common home (Laudato Si): As “the Mother who cared for Jesus, she now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world.” [n241]. .."

Fr James Lyons is a priest of the Archdiocese of Wellington

Sr Mary Lawrence (Julia Lynch) painted this beautiful picture of the Madonna. It's called Tangiwai ca. 1945. It is in Hiruharama, Whanganui River.

DAFFODIL DAY

Please see the following poster for details on our upcoming fundraiser for Daffodil day.

YCC DAY

We had a great YCC day and raised $308 for Caritas. Check out the image created after working together with our local parish schools (St Annes and St Bernards).

(image attached below)

09 August 2023

Baptism Reminder

If you have already emailed your interest and have not heard back please get in touch to confirm we have received your original email.

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I shall pour clean water over you and you will be cleansed, I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.

Ezekiel 36:25-26

Baptism is a way of belonging to a great family of faith and is the gate to all other sacraments. This can be completed at any age - even as an adult! The Sacrament of Baptism welcomes a person into the Catholic faith community. A sacrament is a special meeting with Jesus - an outward sign of us uniting with God.

We would like to hear from anyone interested in completing the Sacrament of Baptism as part of an in-school mass held in week 2 of term 4. Prior to their baptism, the children involved will prepare through a programme and parent afternoon, both taken by Father Doug.

Please get in touch with me at madeline.smith@sfds.school.nz if you are interest in participating or have any questions or pop in and have a chat in Tarawera (Room 2).

02 August 2023

Baptism Reminder

Reminder if you would like to sign up form the Baptism programme there is still time! Please email me at madeline.smith@sfds.school.nz or have any questions or pop in and have a chat in Tarawera (Room 2).

Baptism is a way of belonging to a great family of faith and is the gate to all other sacraments. This can be completed at any age - even as an adult! The Sacrament of Baptism welcomes a person into the Catholic faith community. A sacrament is a special meeting with Jesus - an outward sign of us uniting with God.

We would like to hear from anyone interested in completing the Sacrament of Baptism as part of an in-school mass held in week 2 of term 4. Prior to their baptism, the children involved will prepare through a programme and parent afternoon, both taken by Father Doug.

26 July 2023

Feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne

Today we honour Mary's parents, Saints Joachim and Anne. Through reading stories about saints, we are provided with examples of courage, humility, honesty and social justice to help us navigate our day to day challenges. Anne and Joachim's faith and perseverance brought them through the sorrow of childlessness, to the joy of conceiving and raising Mary who would give birth to Christ. We don’t know many details about their lives because they are never mentioned in the New Testament. Everything we know about them comes down through tradition—the stories people told about them. Anne and Joachim are the patron saints of grandparents.

19 July 2023

Grandparents Day Wednesday 26 July

Grandparents (or a special old person to you!) day is a really nice way to bring our loved ones into our school and show them around, enjoy a mass, and importantly share some cake and tea at the end of it all. Make sure you save the date as we understand that many grandparents travel for this day.

Baptism

I shall pour clean water over you and you will be cleansed, I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.

Ezekiel 36:25-26

Baptism is a way of belonging to a great family of faith and is the gate to all other sacraments. This can be completed at any age - even as an adult! The Sacrament of Baptism welcomes a person into the Catholic faith community. A sacrament is a special meeting with Jesus - an outward sign of us uniting with God.

We would like to hear from anyone interested in completing the Sacrament of Baptism as part of an in-school mass held in week 2 of term 4. Prior to their baptism, the children involved will prepare through a programme and parent afternoon, both taken by Father Doug.

Please get in touch with me at madeline.smith@sfds.school.nz if you are interest in participating or have any questions or pop in and have a chat in Tarawera (Room 2).

Piripono | Faithfulness

What does this value look like at SFDS

Self-belief: doing what you say you will do, loyalty, sticking by your friends, accepting others, acknowledging God, doing the right thing whether people are there to see it or not.

Years 1 – 5: See God in everyday things, talk with others about what your faith means to you, be a reliable person, trusting others, to be faithful to God.

Years 6 – 8: Be a person that people can have faith in, support your friends, be proud of the way you live your life, have belief that even when you struggle God is always on your side, see God in the beauty of nature, show your faith by becoming involved in public prayer and worship, recognise your own abilities.

Lord Jesus, We ask for Your help as we begin this new school term. Allow us to experience Your presence in the many blessings You put before us.

Open our eyes to the new challenges and exciting opportunities that this new school term brings. Open our hearts and minds to new friends and teachers.

Give us a generous spirit to be enthusiastic with our learning and courage to accept new opportunities. Help us to be attentive to our teachers and leaders and let us experience Your presence in everything we do.

Jesus, inspire us to be faith filled, respectful and resilient learners and be the best that we can be. Amen

28 June 2023

On Saturday, Archbishop Paul Martin celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with many of our young tamariki and rangatahi from SFDS, along with other candidates from the Catholic Parish of Wellington South.

Congratulations to our following Tamariki who made this on Saturday:

Jack C, Saoirse H, Willow SE, Arija J, Oliver J, Fletcher K, Olivia K, James K, Victoria McP,

Harriet McP, Amelia McG, Luke N, Lucas L, Mateo L, Michael P, Sofia P, Brady P, Elijah S, Dallas T, Nunzio U, Declan W, Audrey W

What is a Sacrament? What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?

The sacraments are very old - going right back to Jesus' time more than 2000 years ago. A sacrament is seen as a sacred and visible sign that is instituted by Jesus to give us grace. Anointing with oil is sometimes included in sacramental celebrations. This is an ancient Biblical tradition originating in the old testament with the Jewish people.

There are seven sacraments in our church: Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all important moments of the Christian life.

During the sacrament of confirmation, the candidates for confirmation are anointed and state their wish to be confirmed in The Spirit. Over the years - this sacrament has moved to different ages. I was confirmed when I was about 16 as was traditional in those days. However, in its very early history, the sacrament of confirmation was part of baptism.

SFDS has a wonderful connection with this sacrament, as we follow the 'Fruits of the Holy Spirit' as our school values.

21 June 2023

On Saturday, Archbishop Paul Martin celebrated his installation as the eighth Archbishop of Wellington. Archbishop Paul has served in a number of capacities around New Zealand and abroad, including as Rector of St Patrick's College for a time.

When a new Archbishop is installed, a Coat of Arms is created, to represent their leadership. Archbishop Paul's Coat of Arms includes references to Mary and the Good Shepherd caring for the flock. Mary's response to the call to be Jesus' mother is also echoed in Archbishop Paul's, motto: "Rejoice in the Lord always".

St Francis de Sales School was represented at Archbishop Paul's installation by Ella W and her mum, Sarah. Thank you both for representing us at this special event.

Cupcake Day Success!

Thank you to everyone who bought in cupcakes to celebrate Suzanne Aubert's birthday. There were so many amazing looking, and amazing tasting cupcakes! The SOUL captains judged and made a decided of the best cupcakes and they will be announced on Friday at assembly.

We had a total of 482 cupcakes brought in to share. We donated the leftover cupcakes to the Soup Kitchen - they were very grateful.

CONFIRMATION SATURDAY 24 JUNE

Reminder that the children who have been taking part of the Confirmation program will be making their Confirmation this coming Saturday!

Lily RR who was the winner of the Empire Cinema voucher from the values card draw.

CUPCAKE DAY!!!!

Thank you for all the generous baking you all did!! Look at these amazing works of art!!!

14 June 2023

We have a mufti day coming up on Friday. There is a link on Kindo to donate.

YCC Day is the day when Caritas combines with Catholic schools across New Zealand and together stand in solidarity for a good cause and raise funds and awareness for a selected focus school.

This year we are supporting Oecusse School in Timor Leste. The school is in dire need of support to repair and replace all broken and unsanitary toilet bowls, repair handwashing stations in the toilet facilities, and to fix water pipes for transporting water to different areas in the school.

On YCC your child can wear mufti and if so, please donate via Kindo.

Grandparents Day this year will be on Wednesday 26 July.

Grandparents (or a special old person to you!) day is a really nice way to bring our loved ones into our school and show them around, enjoy a mass, and importantly share some cake and tea at the end of it all. Make sure you save the date as we understand that many grandparents travel for this day.

More details are to come closer to the time.

Coming up...

7 June 2023

Our values focus just now is Rangimārie – Peace

At SFDS, rangimarie looks like...

Contentment, quiet times, happiness, having time out, making peace after arguments. Forgiveness and reconciliation.

Years 1 – 5: Playing nicely, taking turns, sharing equipment, learning to work well as a group, manaakitanga.

Years 6 – 8: Accepting diversities, taking part in meditation/quiet inoi / prayer, considering conflicts in the wider world, learning about organisations that support rangimarie (e.g. Caritas), being a peaceful member of your whānau and rohe / community, promoting rangimarie within families and communities.

Here is a quick meditation to support your sense of rangimarie in your busy day.

31 May 2023

Confirmation

Last Sunday, children from our Wellington South Parish who are part of the Sacramental Programme began their next journey of Confirmation!

Confirmation is a special 'sacrament' when they will receive the Holy Spirit, become full members of the Church, and promise to follow Jesus and make the world a better place with their actions and kindness.

A big part of Confirmation is choosing a saint's name as a confirmation name. It is opportunity to choose a name that has special meaning to you, a name that will help you in your journey of faith. For those taking part in their confirmation, here is a link that has a list of our Saints and what their patronage is - https://www.catholic.org/saints/patron.php

Important!

We have a mufti day coming up on Friday 16 June. There is a link on Kindo to donate.

22 May 2023

Pentecost Sunday

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. This is a time when we remember that after Jesus died and ascended into Heaven, the apostles (Jesus' close followers) felt Te Wairua Tapu / the Holy Spirit - giving them courage and strength to carry on the good works of Jesus - preaching in many languages, helping those in need, praying, and growing a large group of followers. This was the birth of Christianity. At SFDS we also teach the Ngā Hua o te Wairua Tapu – The Fruits of the Holy Spirit as our school values:

Love / Aroha
Joy / Harikoa
Peace / Rangimārie
Patience / Manawanuitanga
Kindness / Atawhai
Faithfulness / Piripono
Gentleness / Hūmārire
Self-Control / Tikanga whakahaere
Generosity / Ngākaunui

Here is a short animation about Pentecost for you to share with your child(ren)

Invitation for you!

Please join us for our whole school Pentecost Liturgy this Friday in the church at 9:10am

17 May 2023

Women’s Friendship Project

Are you a locally-connected Wellington woman who would like to get to know and be a friend with a woman from a former refugee background? Catholic Social Services and Changemakers Refugee Forum are growing the Womens’ Friendship Project with a next induction night on Tuesday 27 June 2023.

Pairs of women will then be introduced to each other and meet up once a week or fortnight for the next 6 months to share local experiences such as walks, gardening, and café and market visits. Every two months you are invited to attend a larger group gathering of everyone involved in the project. Often a natural friendship continues beyond the project. If you are interested, please contact Deirdre at d.meskill@wn.catholic.org.nz or call 021 2213944.

PINK SHIRT DAY THIS FRIDAY 19 MAY!!!! WEAR PINK!!!!!

On Friday 19 May 2023, Aotearoa will become a sea of pink as schools, workplaces and communities join the Pink Shirt Day movement. By taking part you will be helping to stamp out bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora!

At Saint Francis de Sales we welcome students to wear pink for the day to help celebrate the cause. Donations are welcome through Kindo! All donations will go towards the mental health foundation.

Whole School Pentecost Mass

Next Friday we will be celebrating Pentecost as a school! Feel free to join us at mass on Friday 26 May at 9:10am.

10 May 2023

May

The month of May is a special time for our Mothers. As it is the month of Mary and Mother's day is creeping up, it is nice to reflect on all the peace, compassion, and kindness our mothers, grandmothers and guardians share with us.

We thank you te atua for our mothers and the endless love and care they give us. May we always appreciate the work they do.

We give thanks for our grandmothers who give us care, love and wisdom. May we always remember the special gift they are.

We say thank you for the traditions our mothers and guardians teach us. May we remember to value their advice and experience.

Retirement of Cardinal John

Cardinal John Dew, who has been the Catholic Archbishop of Wellington since 2005, has now retired on reaching his 75th birthday. Cardinal John has been a hard-working leader in our church in Wellington and across Aotearoa. Archbishop Paul will be formally installed as Archbishop of Wellington on Saturday 17 June at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral.

We pray that Cardinal John will be blessed in his continue work in the church, as mentor and shepherd.

Thank you Cardinal John for your service.

03 May 2023

HARIKOA | JOY

Psalm 16:11

You have shown me the path to life,

and you make me glad by being near to me.

Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Confirmation Sessions are due to start on Sunday 28 May 9am Mass St Anne’s Church OR 10.30am Mass at St Francis de Sales Church. If you would like to help out at the sessions please email Fran on francesca.peters@sfds.school.nz

BUDDY MASSES

Every week at 9:10am on Fridays two classes from the school join the parish in their weekday mass. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend so check out the roster below to see the dates of your child's class mass.

Here are the new dates for this terms buddy masses!

26 April 2023

Welcome back to school for this term. I hope everyone had a restful break celebrating Easter and enjoying the sunshine!

Values Focus:

We promote living by the fruits of the Holy Spirit - Ngā Hua o te Wairua Tapu – The Fruits of the Holy Spirit. We begin the term with w focus on Harikoa - Joy.

At SFDS, Joy means having fun, making the most of all situations, focusing on the positive, feeling happy within, being content with what you have, spreading the joy to the benefit of others – cheering others up, finding the beauty in surroundings – to appreciate, take care, being happy.

Years 1 – 5: Understand how fortunate they are to be part of a loving family and community. Finding joy in helping others, the environment, experiences. Aiming to bring joy into the lives of others through their actions and attitudes.

Years 6 – 8: Understanding that joy is intrinsic not extrinsic. By being a positive, caring, honest individual and living a happy life they will feel joyful. Finding joy through worship. Bringing a joyful attitude to life and work.

Prayers and Reflections in remembrance of ANZAC Day

E te Atua,

We remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. We remember all who died, both friend and foe, and those who lived to return home, bearing the scars of war in their bodies, in their emotions and in their lives.

Āmene

You may like to visit this beautiful ANZAC reflection written on Fr John O'Connor's Food for faith site: Touching the sacred - food for faith. Fr John has also invited you for a coffee and chat!

Buddy Masses

Every week at 9:10am on Fridays two classes from the school join the parish in their weekday mass. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend so check out the roster below to see the dates of your child's class mass.

5 April 2023

Holy Week

Last Sunday was Palm Sunday. The reading that was shared at Mass told of Jesus triumphantly entering into Jerusalem riding a donkey. He was surrounded by crowds of people who waved palm branches and praised him as the son of David and King of Israel. This marked the beginning of Holy Week, the most important week of the Church’s year and culminates in the Easter Triduum. Tomorrow we remember the second part of the Triduum - Holy Thursday. On this day Jesus and his close friends met to celebrate the Jewish transition - the Passover. This became known as 'The Last Supper'. After this, Jesus was arrested while praying in the gardens.

At this time each year, Christians reflect on the events surrounding the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We walk alongside Jesus.

Dear Parishioners

Don't forget Daylight Saving ends this Sunday morning

Click here for this weeks Newsletter

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME

We had a lot of fun last Sunday for the Last session of the sacramental programme - we look forward to seeing you at the Children's Reconciliation this Saturday (Saturday 1 April) from 4pm at St Anne's Church

It's not a family event, so it would be best if one Parent and the child making the sacrament attended.

Your child should have brought home a pamphlet with the words of the ceremony that they will need to say from the last session but don't worry if they forget as each Priest will have a card next to them with the words on it.

There will be 5 Priests available so when it's time, please don't queue - just wait for the next available Priest. When your child has finished, wait for them to say their penance, and after that you can quietly leave. Don’t forget to pick up their certificate on your way out!

Gospel Value Focus: Self-Control / Tikanga whakahaere

Developing self- management skills in daily life activities, developing a calm nature, treating others the way you want to be treated.

Years 1 – 5: Thinking before you speak, understanding the consequences of your actions, being considerate, focussing on learning and using the basic skills of sharing, being patient, learning not to retaliate.

Years 6 – 8: Understanding how your actions can impact others both through the spoken word and social media. Look at the world through the eyes of others and consider the impact of your actions and words. Not letting anyone have a negative influence on your behaviour and being true to your values.

BUDDY MASSES

Every week at 9:10am on Fridays two classes from the school join the parish in their weekday mass.

Everyone in the community is welcome to attend so check out the roster on our school calendar to see the dates of your child's class mass.

ROCK YOUR SOCKS FUNDRASER

Thank you for all the donations for the Rock your sock fundraiser!

We raised $245!

This will be left open on kindo for the next few days if you haven't donated! Heidi also read a book about Down Syndrome to the junior school!

PINK SHIRT DAY THIS FRIDAY 19 MAY!!!! WEAR PINK!!!!!

On Friday 19 May 2023, Aotearoa will become a sea of pink as schools, workplaces and communities join the Pink Shirt Day movement. By taking part you will be helping to stamp out bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora!

At Saint Francis de Sales we welcome students to wear pink for the day to help celebrate the cause. Donations are welcome through Kindo! All donations will go towards the mental health foundation.