Following the deeply pastoral legacy of Pope Francis, our newly elected Pope Leo XIV now takes up the call to shepherd the people of God. His election brings with it both hope and anticipation as we listen for new ways the Holy Spirit will guide our Church under his leadership.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV is the first American and the first Augustinian to lead the Catholic Church. His extensive missionary work in Peru and leadership roles within the Church reflect a deep commitment to service and pastoral care.

Pope Leo XIV's election marks a historic moment - a unique blend of American roots and global experience. His early words and actions suggest a continuation of Pope Francis's emphasis on humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalised. In his first address, he called for global peace and highlighted the importance of unity within the Church.

From the balcony of St Peter's, Pope Leo reminded us: "The Risen Christ walks with us still, not as a distant figure of history, but as the living presence that animates our communities and inspires our mission." As “Pilgrams of Hope’, may we take inspiration from both Pope Francis’s legacy and Pope Leo XIV’s fresh call — to bring hope where there is fear, unity where there is division, and joy where there is despair.

Let’s keep Pope Leo XIV in our prayers as he embarks on this significant journey, guiding the Church with compassion, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to the Gospel.

A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

Risen Lord,

You are the Good Shepherd who never leaves your flock untended.

We give thanks for the election of Pope Leo XIV. Bless him with courage, compassion, and clarity of vision.

May he lead with love, serve with humility, and speak with boldness the truth of the Gospel.

Guide your Church in this new season, that we may reflect your light in the world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

ANZAC Ceremony

Thank you to the Year 2 students, their teachers and our honoured guests Squadron Leader Timothy Hudson and Colonel Casey Guidolin for the outstanding ANZAC Liturgy on Friday May 9. The songs, the laying of the wreaths, our guests that addressed the school and the reverent behaviour of our students was truly something to behold especially as the sun beamed through the big trees during the Last Post. Thank you to the parents that came along to share and support our Year 2 students.

Working Bee – Saturday 17^th

A big thank you to everyone that has volunteered their time to help out at our Community Council SJA Working Bee on Saturday 17 May. Thank you to Ben Muller for organising the event and to Sean Fox for providing the big wheels this move the mulch and sand around to have it ready for spreading on Saturday morning. Our large and lush grounds will be more manageable with the injection of some TLC. If you have a spare hour or 2 on Saturday morning, please pop down to the school and give a hand.

Reconciliation Day Public Holiday

On Monday 2 June (Week 6), the ACT will observe Reconciliation Day with a public holiday. As such, all schools in the ACT, including SJA, will be closed.

Blessings to all families.

Jo Reed

Last Thursday Ms Julia Dunstan (our Year 1 teacher) was officially inducted into our CECG teaching community during a special commissioning Mass at the Cathedral. Her dedication to faith, learning and service is a blessing to out school and we look forward to the journey ahead together.

Walk and Ride to school day - Friday 30^th May 

Our Term 2 Walk and Ride Day is upon us. We encourage you to walk or ride to school, we will have fresh fruit available upon arrival at school.

This is always a great morning to get active!

Regards

Karen Leighton

Fundraising

When did the St Vincent de Paul Society come to Australia? 

The first Society Conference in Australia was established in Melbourne in 1854, led by Father Gerald Ward. Since then, the Society has spread to every State and Territory and continues to serve thousands of Australians every single day.  

The work that we do to support St Vinnies during their Winter Appeal is so important.  Please donate generously next Friday when we are raising funds and making donations for St Vincent de Paul.

How are we supporting St Vincents at St John the Apostle?

From Monday we will be accepting donations of warm clothes, blankets or sleeping bags at the front office. Please leave them near the crucifix. They will collected on Friday by St Vincent de Paul.

On Friday please send children to school with a gold coin and wearing blue, white and yellow.

On Friday we would also apprecaite a donation of any non perishable food item.

Chips and zooper doopers will be for sale for $1 at the canteen at recess and lunch.

All proceeds of the day will be donated to St Vincent de Paul.

Catholic Life and Reflection

As we focus on St Vincent de Paul next week Pope Leo comes to mind. This address is a powerful indication of the type of Pope he will be.  A Pope who understands the reality of faith in our time.  To be honest, I got a little teary when I read it.  Please take some time to share this with your family. 

God knew we need him next.

Pope Leo XIV:

"Brothers, sisters…

I speak to you, especially to those who no longer believe, no longer hope, no longer pray, because they think God has left.

To those who are fed up with scandals, with misused power, with the silence of a Church that sometimes seems more like a palace than a home.

I, too, was angry with God.

I, too, saw good people die, children suffer, grandparents cry without medicine. And yes… there were days when I prayed and only felt an echo.

But then I discovered something:

God doesn't shout. God whispers.

And sometimes He whispers from the mud, from pain, from a grandmother who feeds you without having anything.

I don't come to offer you perfect faith. I come to tell you that faith is a walk with stones, puddles, and unexpected hugs.

I'm not asking you to believe in everything. I'm asking you not to close the door. Give a chance to the God who waits for you without judgment.

I'm just a priest who saw God in the smile of a woman who lost her son... and yet she cooked for others, and that changed me.

So if you're broken, if you don't believe, if you're tired of the lies... come anyway. With your anger, your doubt, your dirty backpack. No one here will ask you for a VIP card.

Because this Church, as long as I breathe, will be a home for the homeless, and a rest for the weary.

God doesn't need soldiers.

He needs brothers and sisters… and you, yes, you... are one of them?."

Robert Prevost (Leo XIV)

God bless,

Stephanie Stewart

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Happy Birthday to Samuel Mullins, Victor Lomax, Sophie Peisker, Amelia Swiderski, Thomas Anderson, Adaline Jozwiak, Aviana Jozwiak, Troy Khalu-Reindl, Caleb Quinn, Ameilia Peisker, Jayden Amardo, Violet Oxenham, Bevan Hilhorst, Angelina Amrado, KlaraNilsson, Jasmine Khalu-Reindl, Jackson Loricchiella, Sonam Drolma, Alexis Greenhalgh, Japji Chohan, Evelina Nilsson, Hugo Mullins, Jonah Terron, Sophia Woods, Grace Garang,  Charlie Daza, Samuel Hedges, Gauri Dwivedi, Aysha Zenha Mohamed Jabir, Toby Blackford, Luca Vuckovic, Evelyn Wijnberg, Rigzang Tshewang, Thomasina Neilsen, Jennifer Nguyen, Emma Wooden, Penelope Osborne-Goldsbrough, Angel Bujune who all celebrate a Birthday in May.

Opening Hours

A friendly reminder that St Johns is a nut free school. Thank you.