Last week it was my great privilege to attend the First Holy Communion celebrations at Immaculate Conception Church Unanderra. The children displayed reverence throughout the ceremonies and were an absolute credit to our Parish School, St Pius X Unanderra.

I sincerely thank Sr Kerry Gardiner and Ms Louise Sartor in their role as Sacramental Leaders. Also, to Mrs Kylie Hertsch and Miss Anna Jaklic, class teachers for preparing the children so beautifully. Finally, to Father Duane, his Homily was powerful and captured the true meaning of this important sacrament in the lives of the children.

These events certainly had Father Duane and myself reflecting on the strong partnership between parish and school and how fortunate we are to have so many adults dedicated to the faith formation of the children. Following this, I was pleased to be able to attend the recent launch of Bishop Brian Mascord’s statement on the vison of our Diocese- Bearers of Christs Love, alongside Father Duane. This day was held at the Hermitage in Mittagong and echoed the work that we are doing here at  St Pius X Unanderra.

“Our schools and parishes will recognise the integral connection between the two, and the necessary relationship of active collaboration between a school, parish priests and the wider Catholic community”  

Most Rev Brian G Macord Bishop of Wollongong