R.E News - Assistant Principal / Mission
Mr Damian Roff
Holy Week
I would like to wish the O'Connor community a very holy Easter. There is information below regarding celebrations over Easter and I encourage O'Connor families to get to church in your local parishes over the coming days to really explore the meaning of Easter, a new life in Christ. I would also like to wish all students a restful break after a busy term so they can return refreshed and ready to learn.
The Sacred Triduum
Students are often surprised when I tell them that the 3 days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter are the most sacred days on the church calendar, even above and beyond Christmas. The liturgies associated with these days are beautiful and rich with symbolism. As mentioned I would encourage families to attend all three liturgies as they flow together to commemorate the passion, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
Holy Thursday
Stations of the Cross at College is at 12.20pm
Mass at the Cathedral is 6.00pm
The evening Mass on Holy Thursday begins the Sacred Triduum. The liturgy commemorates the Last Supper. The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples in Jerusalem. During this liturgy we especially remember the sacrament of the Eucharist and through the symbolism of the washing of feet, the sacrament of Holy orders.
"So when he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?” ~ John 13:12
Good Friday
Stations of the Cross at the Cathedral 11.00am
Good Friday Mass at the Cathedral 3.00pm
On this day we commemorate the events culminating in the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a solemn occasion. We remember Jesus betrayal, His trial, torture and his death by crucifixion. Again the liturgy is rich with symbolism and a notable ritual is the Veneration of the Cross. The Veneration is modified at present due to COVID but is still an important part of the liturgy. It is a day of fasting and abstinence.
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”- John 3:16
Easter
Vigil Mass at the Cathedral Saturday 7.00pm
Easter Sunday Mass at the cathedral 8.00am, 10am, and 5.30pm.
Easter Sunday is the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year. It ends on Pentecost Sunday. Easter is the most important and holy day in Christianity We are familiar with the story that on the 3rd day after being crucified Jesus is restored to life. Jesus defeated sin and death and this gives hope to all Christians, that it is our destiny to have a new life in Christ now and ultimately to be with God fully beyond this life. Easter represents the fulfilment of God's promises to humanity, it is as mentioned in the last newsletter the cornerstone of our faith.
The Chrism Mass
A number of O'Connor students attended the Chrism Mass last Tuesday. At this mass priestly vows are renewed and the holy oils are blessed to be used throughout the parishes of the diocese in the various sacraments. As a result priests from all around the diocese attended this grand liturgy. Bishop Kennedy, in a stirring homily, inspired the congregation to be missionary in nature, to get out amongst the world and deliver the Good News.
The Paupers Banquet
As a fundraiser for Caritas, students at O'Connor participated in "The Paupers Banquet". Students paid $2 for a bowl of rice. A few lucky students were randomly drawn to have a magnificent feast supplied by Sarah and her team in the canteen. The symbolism of the unequal distribution of wealth in the world, the work that Caritas does and what we can do in terms of social justice was emphasised on the day.
Year of St Joseph
Bishop O'Mahony's Sesquicentenary
Thursday 25th our Year 7 students joined the celebrations of Bishop Timothy O’Mahony’s Sesquicentenary, the First Bishop of Armidale at Sts Mary and Joseph Cathedral. Bishop Michael Kennedy celebrated a beautiful Mass.
Easter Reflection - La Salle
Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish
Keeping in touch with what is happening in the Cathedral Parish is easy through their website and Facebook pages.
With such a difficult year it has been harder for parishioner's to give to the parish through the plates, particularly when the church was closed. The Parish account details are available on the Parish bulletin.
Information about our founders
La Salle Website
Ursuline Sisters Website
