Religious Life of St Monica’s 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Feast Day 

This Friday we gather to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This feast day is significant for us because it is the feast day of our parish and an opportunity for St Michael’s and St Monica’s to come together in unity. We will gather for Mass in St Monica’s church at 9.30am and spend the morning participating in activities focused on Our Lady of Perpetual Help. We will be joined by the Year 5 and 6 students from St Michael’s and parishioners for the morning and share in a feast for morning tea. 

As we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help we are invited to turn our hearts once more to the tender, unwavering love of our Blessed Mother. This cherished title of Mary reminds us that in every trial, sorrow, and moment of uncertainty, we are never alone—she is always near, offering her perpetual help and intercession. Rooted in a rich tradition of devotion and symbolised by the beloved icon that has inspired countless people across generations, this feast is a powerful reminder of Mary’s maternal care and her constant guidance toward her Son, Jesus.

The History of the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help  

The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is one of the most beloved and venerated images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church. Believed to have originated in the 15th century the icon is of Byzantine style and depicts Mary holding the Child Jesus who clings to her as angels present the instruments of His Passion. The expressions on their faces reflect both divine mystery and human tenderness. 

According to tradition, the icon was brought to Rome by a merchant who had acquired it in Crete. It was eventually entrusted to the Redemptorist Fathers by Pope Pius IX in 1866, with the instruction to “make her known throughout the world.” Since then the icon has been enshrined in the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Rome and has inspired countless devotions, novenas, and miracles. 

The image is rich in symbolism: Mary’s gaze meets the viewer’s, inviting us to bring our needs to her. Jesus’ sandal hangs loosely, symbolising His haste to run to His mother in distress. The angels—Michael and Gabriel—hold the cross and nails, foreshadowing the Passion. Through it all, Mary remains calm and steadfast, a true source of perpetual help. 

Sacrament of First Eucharist 

Last weekend was a beautiful and intimate experience for many of our students making their First Eucharist. A special mention to Declan Cox and his family who made the Sacrament together.

Congratulations to the following students -

Olivia, Valentino, Beau, Oliver, Ella C, Lucy, Ashlee, Robin, Leila, Georgia, Leo, Declan, Huxley, Archer S, Ayla, Ryan, Flynn, Katia, Ethan, Alison, Ella F, Faustina, Archer P, Gréta, Eden, Liam, Audrey, Mia, Matilda and Catherine.

Social Action  

Save the Date: Winter Woolies Day to Support the 2025 St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal -  Wednesday 2 July  

We are proud to once again support the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. This year we are continuing to collect hygiene items for our Dignity Donation Station. With the cold weather settling in  there is also a growing need for Rough Sleeping Essentials like warm socks, gloves and blankets. 

Donations can be brought into school during the last week of Term 2. Donations will be stored in classrooms.  

Let us come together to support those doing it tough this winter.  

 Opening our Hearts to the Holy Spirit