Religious Education News

It has been a busy two weeks since our return from the term break. Members of the school executive spent three days in Sydney together with other staff from Lasallian schools in Australia, the Pacific, South East and South Asia. This was an amazing opportunity to reconnect with the Lasallian heritage of our school, including past principals and staff members. The gathering concluded with a stirring Mass at the chapel at Mary Mackillop Place, site of St Mary Mackillop’s tomb. 

Last week staff and students participated in community ANZAC day services across our local area, and then last Monday the school joined as a community to remember not only all Australians, but especially past students of the De la Salle and Ursuline colleges who served our nation in times of crisis.

ANZAC Day means many things to all people, but in the Catholic tradition, it especially reminds us that we are called to be servants of those around us. Jesus challenged his disciples to be servants to one another if they wanted to be leaders. Our College captains and students who are members of the Defence Force Cadets showed this as they led our school commemoration in the Chapel. 

As part of our regular morning prayer in our PAC groups, I have started to include a reflection called “why we do what we do”. This little section is intended to help all members of the school community understand the significance of the different actions Catholic Christians take as we pray and participate in the Mass. I‘d like to share with you one snippet about the significance of the Cross.

Is the cross you wear around your neck just an attractive piece of jewelry to you? Have you ever pondered the startling paradox of this symbol? After all, in Jesus’ time the cross was an instrument of execution. Translated into modern terms, it’s a bit like wearing an electric chair around your neck! The repugnance of such an idea highlights the radical edge of the Gospel. Jesus’ life led to suffering, loss, failure and death. Yet it was precisely through such self-sacrifice that the resurrection was possible. As Christians we are called to life by walking the way of the Cross. Not a religion for the faint hearted!

Yesterday Deacon Paul from Tamworth came and spoke to a number of Year 10 students about becoming Assistant Catechists, helping with the delivery of the Scripture classes in state schools in Armidale. This is the second year that we have done this - last year was a great success and many thanks to the students who have put their hand up to help out. There are still places available, and all Year 10 students are encouraged to consider joining. You don’t have to be Catholic either!!

One initiative this term is to combine stage 6 and stage 4 Masses. Last Wednesday years 7 and 11 came together for a highly successful Mass, not just as the congregation, but also with a combined year 7 and 11 band and choir. This week years 8 and 12 will come together. It’s hoped that these joint Masses will strengthen ties between our youngest and oldest students and further develop our O’Connor school community. 

Mr Andrew May

Religious Education Coordinator

Our Founders - St Angela Merici and St John Baptiste De 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 and a half it has been harder for parishioner's to give to the parish through the plates, particularly when the church is closed as it is at present. The Parish account details are available on the Parish bulletin. 

Cathedral Parish Website

Information about our founders

La Salle Website

Ursuline Sisters Website