Where the term Halloween comes from? Halloween falls on October 31st and is short for All – Hallows. The Eve which celebrates the day before something. Halloween falls the day before All Saint’s Day. Therefore, Halloween in its earliest understanding was related to the evening before All Saints Day, a very holy Catholic feast day.

I encourage the families to attend the whole school Mass on Friday, November 1st, All Saints Day. Alternatively, find a Mass time which suits your family. All parishes will have Mass and prayers for All saints Day Friday November 1st and All Souls Day, Saturday November 2nd for those who have gone before us. Prayer and remembrance is a significant way to keep the memories and stories of loved ones alive.

Fr Mike has an excellent take on the Saints that you might enjoy as well as an understand our role in the communion of Saints.

ALL SAINTS DAY Explained ? What is All Saints Day? From History/Bible/ Catechism ? You Need to Know!

Blessing of the Animals last Sunday at Sacred Heart Church was absolutely beautiful. It was great to see our school families with their pets getting a blessing from Fr Phil. The pets were so well behaved and loved the extra attention from other parishioners. It was a nice way for our school families and our parish families to come together for a blessing with their very loved pets.

November Mass offerings at Holy Family Church.

During the month of November, we remember those who have passed away. November Mass offering envelopes are available this weekend for repose of the souls of loved ones. 

Also, Holy Family Church has Anointing Mass for the sick, Friday 1st November, midday in Sacred Heart Church. All are welcome. 

Sydney Street Feast 2024 - Volunteers Welcome Friday 15 Nov. 

Archbishop Anthony Fisher will host a free luncheon for Sydney’s homeless in the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral 12-2pm.      

Volunteers from parishes are invited to help serve food & sit and accompany guests during lunch. A great opportunity to show support and solidarity with fellow Sydneysiders experiencing homelessness. 

Register your interest at

https://bit.ly/StreetFeast2024

In the Catholic tradition, November is a time to remember all those who have died, especially our loved ones.

We pray for them and the repose of their souls, and celebrate their lives. We also remember all those who left this life alone, with no one to pray for them.

In the month ahead I encourage you to use and share this Online Book of Remembrance with your colleagues and your community.  You are invited to add the names of your family, friends, loved ones and others who have passed, so that as a community we can remember them in our prayers.

We know the power of prayer ... but when a few or a group get together and pray for a cause, the force of this is hard to refute.

Please remember, I am here to pray for you and your family members. I can take your intentions with me to Tuesday morning Mass. If you have a need just reach out to me.

These prayers always remain confidential. anna.macri@syd.catholic.edu.au

 Reminder of FE Initiative groups for you to join and enjoy.

• No Playgroup this Monday 4th due to reconciliation retreat in parish hall.
• Next playgroup is Monday 18th November. Open invite for any parents with children aged 0 - 5yrs
• Walking for Wellbeing Group, every Tuesday morning, 8:45-10am. Meet at Cardinal St front gate
• Meditation and Prayer every Wednesday 9:15am. We begin with morning Mass in the church followed by coffee/morning tea at a local cafe 

Anna Macri

Family & Faith Educator