Religious Education
It is an important and exciting time for our Year 6 students as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
On Monday, all Year 6 students participated in their Confirmation Retreat Day, beginning with a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). During an educator-led program, students were invited to consider the question: What are the qualities of a great leader?
Through exploring a range of artworks, students discovered inspiring stories of faith, courage and integrity. They reflected on remarkable individuals and biblical figures who demonstrated determination, leadership and a strong commitment to their faith during significant moments in history.
The experience encouraged students to think about the qualities of leadership they see in others and, importantly, the qualities they are called to develop in their own lives. This was particularly meaningful as they prepare for Confirmation and reflect on how the Gifts of the Holy Spirit can guide and strengthen them to live with courage, wisdom, faith and compassion.
Following our visit to the NGV, our Year 6 students enjoyed a short walk to St Francis' Church in Lonsdale Street, the oldest Catholic church in Victoria, where we gathered to celebrate Mass together. During his homily, Father Anthony reflected on the many feast days the Church is celebrating at this time of year. He spoke about St Dominic, whose feast we celebrated that day, as well as St Ignatius of Loyola and Australia's first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Although each saint lived in a different time and place, they shared one important quality—they continually turned to God in prayer, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen and inspire them in every aspect of their lives. Father Anthony encouraged our students, who are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in just two weeks, to do the same. He reminded them that Confirmation is not simply a special day to celebrate, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of inviting the Holy Spirit to guide their words, choices and actions. Like the saints before them, they can always turn to God for wisdom, courage and strength.
Our visit to St Francis' Church was especially meaningful. Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Franciscan Jubilee to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. This special year invites Catholics around the world to reflect on the life of a saint who placed complete trust in God and allowed the Holy Spirit to shape every part of his life. His example of humility, peace, compassion and care for creation continues to inspire people of faith today. Celebrating Mass in a church dedicated to St Francis during this Jubilee reminded our students that holiness begins by saying "yes" to God's call each day.
The church also holds a treasured place in Australia's Catholic story. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Francis' Church as a young girl after moving to Melbourne with her family.
As our students prepare to receive the same sacrament, they were reminded that they are part of a rich tradition of faith stretching back through generations. The same Holy Spirit who strengthened St Francis, St Dominic, St Ignatius and St Mary MacKillop is the Holy Spirit they will receive more deeply in Confirmation, empowering them to live as faithful disciples of Jesus in today's world.
Please keep all of our Year 6 students in your prayers as they continue preparing for this important step in their faith journey. May the Holy Spirit fill them with wisdom, courage and joy as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and strengthen their commitment to living as disciples of Christ.
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader