I am so very grateful for the warm welcome that I have received from you all as I join the community of Holy Cross, Helensburgh. I have worked in Sydney Catholic Schools for the past 24 years in various roles including REC, Literacy Coordinator and Instructional Literacy Coach. I am looking forward to working with you implementing the mission and vision of the school, to support growth in faith and improvement in learning for students. 

Parish Mass Sunday 4 February 8:30am

Our staff will be present at this coming Sunday’s 8:30am Holy Cross Parish Mass, where Fr Paul will welcome and bless us for the year of learning ahead. We hope to see many families share in the eucharistic celebration together with us.

Ash Wednesday Mass and Lent

Wednesday the 14 February is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday is named after the ritual of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of the faithful and is a sign for those who desire to repent. Ash Wednesday Masses are a simple but solemn service. As a school community we will have a school Ash Wednesday Mass at 11:30am. Family and friends are invited to attend. As Year 6 are at Stanwell Tops on camp on this day, Mrs Colussi and myself will organise Year 6 to have a short liturgy and receive ashes on Wednesday afternoon at camp.

Lent is an old Catholic tradition. The season of Lent lasts for a period of forty days beginning on Ash Wednesday and ends with the celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass. During Lent Catholics take time for self reflection and to help those in need. They do this through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Over the season of Lent, students will develop knowledge of these three areas. I encourage you to speak with your child/ren about this important Catholic season and what they are learning about Lent. 

Save the Date: Term 1 Masses and Liturgies

Whole School Masses and Liturgies

Beginning School Mass: Thursday 22 February 9:15am

Holy Week Liturgy: Thursday 28 March 11:30am

Easter Mass:Thursday 4 April 9:15am

Grade Masses 

Years 6 and 1 Grade Mass: Thursday 29 February 9am

Years 2,3 and 4 Grade Mass:Thursday 7 March 9am

Years 5 and Kindergarten Grade Mass: Thursday 14 March 9am

Debbie Turton
Religious Education Coordinator

An Invitation to Sunday Mass

Holy Cross Parish would like to extend a warm invitation to all our beloved school families to join us for Mass on Sunday mornings at 8:30am. 

Attending Mass as a family is not only a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and nurture our faith but also a chance to deepen the bonds that unite us as a parish, school and a wider community. 

Some things you may not know:

• Sunday Mass goes for one hour, 8:30 - 9:30am. 
• We regularly gather for morning tea and a catch up afterwards. 
• Every second week we have a children's liturgy which enables our kids to build some great friendships and learn about their faith.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family at our next Mass as we come together to celebrate the gift of faith and the joy of community.