Religious 

Education News

SCS Charitable Works Fund 2023

The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney in partnership with Sydney Catholic Schools, is calling all schools to host a Fundraiser for our major Archdiocese charity, the Charitable Works Fund (CWF), in spirit of St Mary Mackillop and in support of Social Justice Sunday.

Purpose 

1. Follow in the footsteps of St Mary Mackillop

St Mary Mackillop is our first and only saint, and the Catholic Church in Australia holds her as her ‘patron’ saint. She is known for her strength of character, her devotion, a model of forgiveness, and a pioneer in education, particularly for the poor and suffering.

2. Grow awareness of Social Justice Sunday

Social Justice Sunday is when Australia Bishops invite our community to reflect on social justice. 

3. Raise donations for the Charitable Works Fund

The third purpose is to raise funds, through hosting a Mufti-Day. All funds raised will support local Catholic charities.

St Francis Xavier will be having a Mufti Day on Thursday 21st September to raise funds for the Charitable Works Fund. Students wearing mufti clothes are to bring in a gold coin donation. 

‘ For 2000 years, Catholics have pioneered in faith, society and culture; instilled charity and self-giving love into communities; and have led in caring for the poor, sick and elderly. Today we continue this work through the many charitable works of the Church.’ 

Most Rev. Anthony Fisher OP, DD BA LLB BTheol DPhil

Archbishop of Sydney 

Seven Sorrows of Mary 

The month of September is upon us and devoted to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows occurs on 15th September and dates back to the 14th century. Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, appeared to St Bridget of Sweden and revealed this Rosary devotion to her.  St Bridget devoted her life to following in the footsteps of Christ.

We pray this Rosary to learn to suffer with love, as Mary, the Mother of Jesus did. This Rosary can be prayed at any time, anywhere, in any season of life.  It can be dedicated to the suffering of a friend, family member, ourselves, or the world. We pray this prayer when we need the guidance of the Blessed Virgin and when we need to remind ourselves of the joy that comes out of suffering.

The link to the Rosary is:  Seven Sorrows of Mary Prayer

Pope Francis Students 

Our experience so far during the Pope Francis Award Program has been very positive. We have been given the opportunity to read and help out at masses in our local parish, St Francis Xavier. 

It has been fun to try something different and to get more involved in our parish and school. Going to mass more often has helped us with studying for the Religious Education test as well as learning more about the readings of the week. 

We have been able to help out at Fathers Day and Grandparents Day and it has been nice to get to know more of the people in our community. We have been able to meet others in our parish and learn more about the parish itself. 

So far our experience with the Pope Francis Award program has been terrific and we are sure it will be all the way through to the end. We would like to thank Mrs. Barbera, Ms Carlo-Stella and Father Richard for giving us this opportunity and helping us to accumulate our service hours. 

Angela & Ariana - Year 6 White