By Leanne Pellegrino

Two schools. One parish. One heart. ❤️

On 27 June, the school communities of St Brendan’s and St Luke’s came together to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart with a shared Mass at St Brendan’s Church, Shepparton, in support of the Vinnies’ Winter Appeal. It was a faith-filled celebration of the love and mercy of Jesus’ Sacred Heart, bearing witness to unity, compassion and action.

The occasion also highlighted the generous spirit of the schools, who contributed to the Winter Meals to Vinnie's, offering support to those in need during the colder months. Throughout the Mass, celebrant, Father Joe Taylor referred to the heart of Jesus, stating in his Homily, “… to love with your heart as Jesus did is also to give and help others.”

After the Mass, Celie Kelly, an active parishioner and volunteer with Shepparton’s St Vincent de Paul, spoke passionately about the importance of the Winter Appeal, sharing how the generous donations of non-perishable food items would help stock the pantry at the Shepparton St Vinnie’s Service Outlet, providing vital support to families doing it tough.

The response from both school communities was overwhelming. Boxes overflowed with food items, a testament to the compassion and generosity of our families.

This shared celebration Mass was a powerful act of outreach service and love.

A big thank you to all the students, families and staff at St Brendan’s and St Luke’s who contributed to the Winter Meals Appeal. Your kindness is a beacon of hope in our community.

Leanne Pellegrino is the Catholic Identity Leader at St Brendan's Primary School in Shepparton