Celebrating St Monica 

Next Tuesday on 27 August  is St Monica’s feast day. St Monica is our patron saint who is known for her strong faith, patience, and perseverance, which continue to inspire us today. We will commemorate her life starting our day as a community for Mass at 9.15am in St Monica’s Church before walking in her footsteps on our walkathon. All are welcome to join us for mass. 

St Monica was born around 332 CE in Thagaste, now Tunisia. She grew up in a Christian family and married Patricius, a pagan with a difficult personality. Despite the challenges, Monica’s faith remained strong, and her prayers eventually led to her husband’s conversion to Christianity. 

Monica is best known as the mother of St Augustine, a famous Christian thinker. Augustine’s early life was full of mistakes and searching for meaning, which worried Monica a lot. But she never stopped praying for him. 

Monica’s dedication to her son’s faith journey took her from North Africa to Italy. She followed Augustine to Carthage and then to Milan, where he taught. Her constant prayers and faith played a big role in Augustine’s conversion. He was baptised by St Ambrose in 387 CE, fulfilling Monica’s long-held prayers. 

St Monica is remembered for her faith, hope, and perseverance. She is the patron saint of married women, mothers, and those with difficult marriages or children. Her life shows the power of prayer and a mother’s love. 

As we honour St Monica let us be inspired by her example. Her story teaches us that with faith and perseverance we can overcome tough challenges. May St Monica’s life continue to inspire and guide us in our own spiritual journeys. 

Altar Servers Club 

Did you know that  your child can play an active role in our parish? Last Friday one of our past students spoke to all students in Years 4-6 to share an opportunity on how to play an active role in the mass. Your child is invited to become an altar server and assist Father Mick during the mass. Saint Monica’s has an Altar Servers Club held on a Friday afternoon after school  in the parish meeting room each fortnight. See the information below about how to become involved. 

Dear St Monica's Families, My name is Katie Brasnett, I am an acolyte and I run the altar servers club at St Monica's church. We meet every even Friday (Weeks 2,4,6,8,10) from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm.   

As Catholics, we are all called to come to church and receive our Lord in eucharist. Becoming an altar server is a chance for your child to grow stronger in their faith by participating in the tradition of the church. It is a good job for kids to have because it means they have something to do during mass. It also gets them more involved in the Parish community as they get to know the other altar servers, the Priest, the acolytes and other parishioners.   

The altar servers club is for altar servers and potential altar servers to get together in a social way. We generally centre our meetings around either an activity or a discussion topic, but it's a relaxed environment where the main goal is to have fun, get to know each other and explore our faith. Your child doesn't need to be certain they want to become an altar server to join either. If they just want to find out a bit more about altar serving and the Church, then this is for them. There's no pressure. They can take their time, come to the club and start serving when they are ready.   

If your child would like to join the club or you have any questions, please email me at katiebrasnett@yahoo.com or call/ text me at 0421441171.  

I hope to see many new faces in the future. 

God bless  

From Katie  

What is an alter server? 

An altar server is someone who helps on the altar at mass.   

What do you need to do to become an altar server?  

The only requirement is that you have made your First Communion. If you haven't yet but are planning to, you can still join the club.   

What will we do at club meetings?  

The club is an opportunity for all the altar servers and potential altar servers in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish to get together for afternoon tea, to play some games, have some discussions, learn more about altar serving and make some new friends.  

Will being part of the club mean I get trained as an altar server?  

Yes, of course. But don't worry, we won't put you on the altar until you feel confident.    

Sacrament of Confirmation 

St Monica’s currently has children in Year 6 preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please continue to pray for our children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Parents, please ensure that you have the important events in your diary. These are communicated each week in the Sacramental Information part of our newsletter. 

Flourishing in the Footsteps