Faith and Mission
Indigenous Culture
‘Warami Mittigar’ – which means “Hello friends... welcome!” in the local Darug language.
Over the past few weeks we have been working hard to get some projects going. Please keep an eye out for the notice boards around the school as well as a very special survey that will be coming out in the next two weeks. This will be the St Luke’s Totem project,
For those unfamiliar with what a totem is, here is a bit of an explanation. Totems are natural objects like plants, or animals that are inherited by members of a clan or family as spiritual emblems. They represent a person's or in this case a schools relationship to their nation, clan, and family group, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, and their roles and responsibilities within the community. Totems are taken from nature and are believed to be descendants of heroes from stories, carrying significant meaning in First Nations cultures. We are searching for our own personal school totem which shows our strengths, responsibilities and most importantly our identity.
This week indigenous students from years 10 - 12 had a special opportunity to take part in the Indigenous Senior STudent Forum at St Columbus in Springwood. This event not only brought all of us together as St Luke’s indigenous students but also with our elders and other indigenous students from around the area.
We started the day off with an amazing smoking ceremony led by uncle Chris then we had amazing guest speakers like Thomas Mayo who shared an incredible speech as well as read a section of his new book “ Always was, Always will be”. We were then able to interact with an incredible panel of past students who were asked a number of questions.
Some takeaways from the panel were when the panel was asked “ What would you like your school to do? The panelist said that they would love more indigenous days together, more celebration of who we are, creating a bigger connection with primary and secondary school so that high school students can pass on their knowledge and most importantly hope for the future.
They were also asked what advice they would give to indigenous students and they said to believe in yourself, keep building connections, give it your all, try to get involved in as many programs or opportunities and to make change and leave a legacy before you leave school.
After this amazing day of guest speakers, a series of cultural workshops such as dancing, weaving, artwork and a careers market. We gained so many new ideas and I personally gained a brighter spark and passion to make a change and leave a legacy in which this year will have a number of great big changes so stay tuned!
Student Achievement: Karli Pankhurst Shines at National Equestrian Championships
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Karli Pankhurst, one of our Year 10 students and an active participant in the Indigenous initiatives at St Luke’s.
From March 26–29, Karli competed in the prestigious Australian National Arabian Championships, showcasing her dedication and talent in both halter and ridden classes.
Over four days of competition, Karli achieved remarkable results with her horses:
- Savings: 🥈 Reserve Champion (2nd Place) 🏅 Multiple Top 5 Placings
- Hemani FF: 🥇 Australian Champion Title (1st Place)
- Aaliyah SA: 🥇 Australian Champion Title (1st Place)
Karli’s performance is a testament to her hard work, discipline, and passion for equestrian sport. We congratulate her on her success and look forward to seeing what she achieves next—both in and out of the arena!
Well done, Karli!
More updates are coming soon !!! Yanu (Goodbye)
Faith and Formation
Election of Pope Leo XIV
We join the global Catholic community in celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) as the new leader of the Catholic Church. This moment marks a significant milestone not only for Catholics but also for people of goodwill around the world.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has welcomed this election, recognising it as a time of great hope and renewal. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, President of the Conference, reminded us that unity in the Church is strengthened by embracing the richness of diverse cultures and traditions.
In his first words to the faithful, Pope Leo XIV offered a message of peace and encouragement: “Move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other.”
As a school community grounded in faith, we give thanks for this new chapter in the Church and pray for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his papal ministry with humility, wisdom, and love.
Loving God,
We thank you for the gift of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo the Fourteenth,
Successor of Peter and Shepherd of your Church.
May he be a bridge-builder,
uniting hearts across cultures, nations, and beliefs.
Help him to listen deeply to the cries of the poor, the young,
and all those searching for love, meaning, and belonging.
Bless him with wisdom and courage
as he walks with the diverse communities of our world,
leading us in the ways of mercy, peace, and unity.
Loving Jesus, may Pope Leo XIV guide your Church
with the heart of a servant, the strength of a prophet,
and the compassion of your own Sacred Heart.
We ask this in your name,
Amen.
Formation
Lifted Junior - Stage 3
On the 14th of May Stage 3 students went to West HQ for the Lifted Junior event. We went there with Mr Rodwell and Mrs Thoms to learn more about being a Catholic and spreading the good news and the message of hope. Lifted was a fun and engaging event that was all about bringing people in our community closer together, by allowing God to guide us through hard times and showing hope. We played games, activities and took part in dances and songs and got to celebrate our faith in action. It was a great day and we got to make friends from other schools!
Overall, Lifted was one of the best experiences that we have attended in Year 6, because it really shaped and moved our faith and spirituality to the next level.
Lara Ali and Aiden Thomas - Stage 3 Students
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Lifted Rise - Stage 4
Lifted Rise was an event hosted by the Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP) for students in Years 7 and 8. Our students joined other schools from the Parramatta Diocese in prayer, reflection, and worship. We discussed the theme of Hope, which is the theme of the Jubilee Year, through masterclasses where students explored their digital presence, ability to interact within social outreach, and personal reflection on finding a deeper connection with their faith.
St Luke’s Environmental Day – Friday, 6th June
As part of Laudato Si’ Week and the World Environment Day, our YCS Leadership Team will host a vibrant, student-led Environmental Day focused on sustainability and stewardship. With activities planned for all students from K–12, highlights will include a recycled-materials art competition, plastic-free raffles, an eco-awareness Kahoot, creative recycling projects, and peer-led workshops on caring for creation. It will be a day of faith in action as our community comes together to care for our common home.
More details to come in the coming weeks.
Liturgy
Students in Kindergarten to Year 4 commenced the term with a joyful liturgy reflecting on the Risen Christ and His message of new beginnings. It was a meaningful way to start the term, reminding students of the hope, renewal, and love that Easter brings.
Mothers Day Liturgy
On Friday of Week 2, we celebrated our Mother’s Day Liturgy with students from CELC to Year 9 in the Performance Hall. It was a moment of great joy and togetherness. Fr Gayan led the liturgy and shared a touching reflection on how mothers lovingly break themselves to serve their children. He also spoke about Mary, our Mother in heaven, as a model of faith, love, and sacrifice. His words reminded us all of the selfless love and strength that our mothers show each day.
School of Leadership - Class Masses with Fr Gayan - Term 2
We have also started having Class Masses in the School of Leadership. These Masses provide students with the opportunity to actively participate in liturgy, receive the Word of God, and the Body of Christ. It is a special moment for each class to encounter Jesus in a personal way and to deepen their understanding of the Mass within the Catholic tradition. In week 3, Stage 3 Malala had the opportunity to engage in Mass. We look forward to other classes engaging in this very important part of our Christian formation.
Social Outreach
Social Justice Focus - Term 2 - Caring for our Environment
This term at St Luke’s, our Social Justice focus is on Environmental Stewardship—inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which reminds us that the Earth is “our common home.”
At the heart of our learning and faith formation is the belief that caring for creation is a sacred responsibility. We are helping students become more aware of their environmental impact and empowering them to take meaningful action—both at school and beyond.
Throughout the term, students will:
- Participate in Waste-Free Wednesdays
- Be involved in clean-up and sustainability initiatives
- Learn about the links between faith, justice, and ecology
- Explore practical ways to build sustainable habits
As a school community, we are committed to reducing waste, promoting recycling, and encouraging energy awareness—reflecting our Catholic values in action.
We invite and encourage families to support these efforts at home by packing waste-free lunches, reducing single-use plastics, and discussing ways we can care for God’s creation together.
Together, we can nurture a generation of young people who are not only informed, but inspired to live with compassion, purpose, and hope.
Thank you for your continued support.
WASTE FREE WEDNESDAYS - Social Justice Initiative
In alignment with Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home, we are introducing ‘Waste Free Wednesday’ starting May 21st. This initiative encourages students to bring lunches free from single-use plastics, fostering environmental stewardship and reflecting our Catholic values.
Each Wednesday, we’re encouraging all students and staff to bring waste-free lunches to help care for our environment.
- That means: Reusable containers Refillable drink bottles Nude food (no wrappers or single-use plastics)
Let’s work together to reduce waste and protect God’s creation.Every small action makes a big difference!
Think Green. Act Clean. Be Waste-Free!
Thank you for your support in making this initiative a success!
From the St Luke’s Parish Community
WALKING WITH CHRIST:
Fortnightly on Thursdays at 7.00 pm in the Parish Office. Next session: 22 May. Looking for a space to grow in faith, explore Scripture, and walk with others in our parish community? Come and join us! For more information, email:marsdenpark@parracatholic.org
First Holy Communion 2025
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated in our Parish on the weekend of 21/22 June.
All students who have registered for First Holy Communion are to attend Enrolment Masses will be held on the weekends of:
- 24/25 May – Sat 5.30pm & Sun10am
- 31 May/1 June- Sat 5.30pm & Sun10am
Attendance at one of these Masses is required.
First Holy Communion Preparation classes will begin on Wednesday, 28 May at 6 pm in the Hub at St Luke’s Catholic College.
This program is for children aged 8 or 9 who have already been baptised and have made their First Reconciliation.
If you wish to prepare your child for the sacrament of First Holy Communion and are yet to register them please complete the registration form using the link below:
https://forms.gle/eH1qs8XnbCYmFtAK8
MINISTRY FORMATION SESSIONS~
We will be holding sessions for the following ministries:
- Ministers at the Altar: Wednesday 28 May at 7.30 pm in the Hub at the school.
- Readers and Commentators: Wednesday, 4 June at 7.30 pm in the Hub at the school.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMOHC): Wednesday, 11
June at 7 pm in the Hub at the school.
- Altar Servers: Wednesday, 18 June at 7.30 pm in the Hub at the school.
These sessions are for all current parish members, those who expressed interest during our recent ministry recruitment drive, and anyone else who would like to get involved. We look forward to seeing you there!
Contact
Should you need to contact the St Luke’s Parish Community, the contact details follow here:
Fr Gayan Thamel: gayan.thamel@parracatholic.org
Parish Priest
Ged Oblea: marsdenpark@parracatholic.org
Administrative Assistant
Ph: 02 8530 0173 Mobile: 0422 724 160
Website: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.org.au/