News & Events

Dear SJMS Community

Today we celebrate Ash Wednesday. This day signifies, for Christians around the world, the beginning of the Season of Lent. A time when we prepare ourselves for Easter by reflecting on how we can be a better person by reflecting on life's choices and possible life directions.

On Ash Wednesday people who seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings or want to change their ways are marked with the sign of the cross, from blessed ashes, on their forehead. This symbolic occasion reminds us of our sorrow for sins, as well as the will for change and the hope of forgiveness. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer. 

O Jesus, you place on my forehead the sign of your saving Cross:

“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”

How can I turn from sin unless I turn to You?

You speak, you raise your hand, you touch my mind and call my name,

“Turn to the Lord your God again.”

These days of your favour leave a blessing as you pass

on me and all your people.

Turn to us, Lord God, and we shall turn to you.

Author unknown.

Project Compassion

This week your child will bring home with them a Project Compassion box. Each year during the 6 weeks of Lent we are asked to help support Caritas Australia. During Lent, we will hear stories about the many ways Caritas works around the world with their local partners, offering hope to people who are most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice.

In 2019 Project Compassion will help to:

• Provide clean water and a future full of hope for vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.
• Lift communities in Indonesia out of poverty, and give them hope to protect our common home.
• To provide young people with disabilities gain access to clean water in the Solomon Islands, providing hope for a brighter future.
• Provide essential health care, employment and training for First Australians.
• Improve infant mortality rates in countries like Bangladesh and provide hope to pregnant women in remote communities for happy and healthy families.
• Give children living with disabilities in Vietnam the opportunity for an education and inclusion in their community.

As Pope Francis said, “The future does have a name… and its name is hope.”

Through your generosity during Lent this year, you are empowering communities with hope and helping those in great need to shape a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. 

Lives change when we all give 100%.

St Joseph’s Day Mass

St Joseph was the husband of Mary and the father of Jesus. God called Joseph, a simple carpenter, to care for and protect Mary and Jesus. With great faith and trust, he accepted God’s call. You are all warmly welcomed to join us for a Whole School Mass on Tuesday 19 March in St Ignatius Church at 9:15am to honour St Joseph.

Jesuit 150 Years Celebration

This year, as many of you are aware, the Parish celebrates its sesquicentenary (150 years). This is a significant event in the Norwood Parish. Throughout the year there are many activities and events planned for the community. Please refer to the Ignatian Spirituality Program (click here to access) and save the date for the following events:

Saturday 20 April: Holy Saturday Night Party
Friday 21 June: Wine and Cheese Evening
Sunday July 28: St Ignatius Day Lunch & Blessing of the New Window
August: SALA Exhibition
Sunday 20 October: Sesquicentenary Picnic & Strawberry Fete
Saturday 2 November; All Soul’s Day Mass & Light Meal

God Bless

Grace Vassallo-Wakefield

Assistant Principal: Religious Identity & Mission