Religious Education
On Tuesday morning, Father Joseph Nguyen, our Assistant Priest at St Patrick’s, spent time with our First Communicants to speak about the Sacrament of the Eucharist.He began by warmly addressing the students as his “brothers and sisters”—a phrase he also used during the homilies at both of the First Eucharist Masses. While the students initially found this and much of Father’s banter quite amusing, he took the opportunity to explain the deeper meaning behind his words.
Father Joseph wanted to highlight the sense of shared faith, community, and belonging that exists within the Church. Referring to one another as “brothers and sisters” is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of being part of a family in Christ. It speaks to a spiritual bond that unites all believers, regardless of their background or social standing.
As part of their sacramental preparation, students were asked to reflect on their own Baptism. They brought in family photos, shared stories about their godparents, and recalled the celebrations that marked their first invitation into the faith. Through these reflections, they began to understand that their faith journey is not walked alone. They were invited not just into a moment of celebration, but into a lifelong membership in a larger spiritual family—one bound not by blood, but by faith and the sacraments.
The use of “brothers and sisters” reinforces the call to treat one another with love, compassion, and understanding, mirroring Christ’s love for all humanity. It encourages empathy, aligning beautifully with the work students engage in through The Resilience Project, which promotes emotional literacy, gratitude, and kindness.
Moreover, this language nurtures a sense of unity and solidarity within the Church. It reminds us that all members are equal in the eyes of God and equally valued within the community of believers. It’s important for our students to realise that they belong not only to St Patrick’s School, but also to St Patrick’s Parish—a connection that sets us apart from our neighbours at Mentone Primary School.
It’s no surprise then, that when speaking with families our priests often express a desire to see more students and families regularly participating in weekend masses. Their message is clear: the Eucharist is not just a private moment but a public celebration of faith—a chance for the family of God to gather, grow, and give thanks together.
Students were witness to Fr Joseph’s love and enthusiasm for his own priestly calling and they had plenty of questions about it for him. He talked openly about his favourite sacrament – Reconciliation because he loves the idea of helping people restore their relationship with God. He admitted his favourite food is fried chicken, his footy team is Essendon and when he’s not busy with his priestly duties he enjoys a game of paintball with his friends!
The students really appreciated the opportunity to meet with Father Joseph in such an informal and relaxed setting. This encounter allowed them to see the human and approachable side of their priest, which helped them feel more connected and comfortable asking questions about their faith. It also deepened their understanding of the Eucharist by framing it within the context of personal relationship, shared community, and belonging.
Moments like these are invaluable as they help bridge the gap between classroom learning and lived faith, allowing students to see that the Church is not just a place or a set of rituals, but a welcoming family of believers who journey together.
Our final First Eucharist Mass took place on Tuesday afternoon, with another 24 students receiving the Blessed Sacrament for the first time. It was a joyful and prayerful celebration, marking an important step in each child’s faith journey. The students participated with reverence, supported by their families, teachers, and the parish community.
We are grateful to the parents and caregivers for their support and for nurturing their child’s faith.
Special thanks to Father Joseph for his warm interaction with the children and a homily that brought the meaning of the Eucharist to life. May our First Communicants continue to grow in faith and be nourished by the Eucharist throughout their lives.
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader