Faith and Mission
Indigenous Culture
‘Warami Mittigar’ – which means “Hello friends... welcome!” in the local Darug language.
Growing in Understanding Through Indigenous Perspectives
This term, students in our School of Foundations have been deepening their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through a range of engaging learning experiences led by our Year 12 Mission students.
As part of their Mission program, our Year 12 students have been visiting classrooms to teach younger students about the importance of Reconciliation and to share Aboriginal Dreaming stories. These sessions have provided valuable opportunities for students to learn about First Nations cultures, reflect on the significance of caring for one another and Country, and appreciate the richness of Australia's oldest living cultures.
Each class has been exploring a different Dreaming story and completing a hands-on activity connected to their learning. For example, our Kindergarten students explored The Echidna and the Shade Tree and created their own echidnas from clay, bringing the story to life through creativity and imagination.
These experiences help our students develop respect, understanding and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives while supporting our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation. It has been wonderful to see our Year 12 students sharing their knowledge and leadership with our younger learners, strengthening connections across our school community.
Faith and Formation
Liturgy
Liturgy and Prayer Highlights in Term 3
This term, our College community will continue to come together through prayer, liturgy and Mass celebrations as we deepen our faith and celebrate important moments throughout the year.
Each Thursday morning at 9:00 am, students from Year 8 to Year 12 will attend weekly Parish Mass in the Church. These celebrations provide students with an opportunity to participate in Eucharistic celebrations alongside our parish community and reflect on their faith journey.
The School of Foundations (SOF) will celebrate the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop with a special liturgy on Friday 7 August. This will be an opportunity for students to learn about and honour Australia’s first saint and reflect on her commitment to faith, education and service.
SOF students will also celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary with a liturgy on Monday 17 August, while students from Year 5 to Year 11 will participate in a Mass celebrating this important feast.
Our community will come together to celebrate Father’s Day with a special liturgy on Friday 9 September, recognising and giving thanks for the important role fathers and father figures play in our lives.
The term will conclude with the Year 12 Graduation Liturgy on Wednesday 23 September. This special celebration will provide an opportunity for our College community to come together in prayer, give thanks for the journey of our graduating students, and celebrate their achievements as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
This term also marks an exciting new chapter for Midday Prayer across the College. Student leaders from Year 4 and Year 8, along with Year 11, will begin leading Midday Prayer for the whole College community through a shared roster. This will allow students from different year groups to take an active role in creating moments of prayer and reflection each day, continuing the wonderful leadership demonstrated by our Year 12 students.
We look forward to a term filled with opportunities for prayer, celebration, reflection and community.
Faith In Action
Jeans for Genes Day
On Friday, 31 July, students from Kindergarten to Year 12 proudly participated in Jeans for Genes Day. Dressed in their favourite denim and shades of blue, students helped raise awareness and funds to support children and families living with genetic conditions. Throughout the day, students also engaged in classroom activities that encouraged them to reflect on kindness, compassion and the importance of helping those in need.
Supporting Jeans for Genes Day reflects the Catholic Social Teaching principle of the Common Good, reminding us that we are called to care for those in our wider community, especially those facing challenges. Through their participation and generosity, our students lived out our school motto, Live the Good News, demonstrating that small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
Our school set a fundraising goal of $1,800, and thanks to the incredible generosity of our families and school community, we raised an outstanding $2,800.
Thank you for your continued support of this worthwhile cause. Your generosity will help fund vital medical research and bring hope to children and families affected by genetic conditions.
Vinnies Sandwiches
Vinnies Sandwiches will recommence in Week 3 on Friday, 7 August.
Each Friday, students will have the opportunity to make sandwiches that are donated to members of our local community experiencing homelessness and hardship. Through this initiative, students are putting Catholic Social Teaching into action, particularly the principles of the Dignity of the Human Person and the Common Good, by showing compassion, service and care for those in need.
We look forward to another term of making a difference, one sandwich at a time!
Vinnies Winter Sleepout
At the end of Term 2, approximately 45 students from Years 10–12 participated in our Vinnies Winter Sleepout. The event provided students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness while raising funds to support the important work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Throughout the evening, students took part in activities and discussions that encouraged them to reflect on the dignity of every person, the causes of homelessness, and our Christian call to respond with compassion and justice. It was inspiring to see students willingly step outside their comfort zones, support one another, and embrace the experience with generosity and enthusiasm.
We thank all of the students who participated, the staff who generously gave their time, and the families who supported the event. Together, we continue to put our faith into action by serving those most in need.
Social Justice Friday
In Week 5, on Friday 21 August, our school will be holding our Social Justice Friday in support of Socktober, an initiative of Catholic Mission that raises awareness and funds for vulnerable children and communities around the world.
Students are invited to wear their favourite team's colours and make a gold coin donation via the Qkr! App. Through Socktober, students learn about global justice, develop empathy for others, and recognise the positive impact they can make through prayer, action and fundraising. This initiative reflects the Catholic Social Teaching principles of Human Dignity and the Common Good, encouraging us to work together to support those in need and promote the wellbeing of all members of our global community.
We thank you for your continued generosity and support of this important cause.
Young Christian Students (YCS):
On Saturday 27th June 2026, the YCS Mid-Year Retreat was held at the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre in Mulgoa. Students from St Luke's Catholic College and the St John the Apostle YCS Group in Canberra came together for a meaningful day of reflection, celebration and leadership development. Throughout the day, students were joined by YCW National Mentor Joe Magri, YCS Spiritual Advisor & Deacon Jeff Hood and several former YCS Workers and Leaders including Ms Lara Derjani who also recently graduated from St Luke's Catholic College.
Centred around the theme "Finding Your Light," the retreat celebrated the achievements of our YCS groups while encouraging our members to deepen their understanding of faith in action. Students shared the social justice initiatives they had been leading in their schools before engaging in the See-Judge-Act methodology, reflecting on the realities facing young people, discerning these experiences through the lens of the Gospel, and exploring practical ways they can continue creating positive change in their communities.
Throughout the day, YCS members participated in leadership workshops, heard the inspiring journeys of former YCS leaders and workers, took part in a leadership panel and Q&A session, and connected with students from different schools through discussion and team-building activities. These opportunities allowed our wonderful YCS students at St Luke's Catholic College to grow in confidence, strengthen friendships, and recognise that their commitment to justice and service can continue long after their time at school.
The retreat concluded with a celebration of the students' commitment to living out their faith through action, inspiring each young person to continue being a light within their schools, communities and the wider world.
- Zehra Hussain / Youth Engagement Coordinator / Parramatta YCW
Reading Zehra's beautiful reflection fills me with immense gratitude and pride. My heartfelt thanks to Zehra and the entire YCS leadership team for their untiring efforts in making this Mid-Year Retreat such a purposeful, faith-filled and joyful experience for every student. Their dedication, planning and genuine care created an environment where our young people could encounter Christ, grow in leadership and strengthen their commitment to serving others.
It was especially heartwarming to witness Lara Derjani, one of our former St Luke's Catholic College YCS student leaders, now serving with the Diocesan Young Christian Workers (YCW) movement and generously mentoring the next generation of YCS students. Seeing our graduates continue to live out the values of See–Judge–Act beyond school is a powerful reminder that YCS forms not only capable student leaders, but compassionate young adults who are prepared to make a positive difference in the Church and the wider community.
A special thank you goes to all our YCS students. Their enthusiasm, generosity and willingness to respond to the needs of others continue to inspire us. It is a privilege and a joy to accompany them on their See–Judge–Act journey, watching them grow in faith, confidence and leadership. They are already making St Luke's Catholic College a better place today, and I have no doubt that they will continue to be lights of hope wherever God leads them.
- Mrs Tessie James / St Luke’s YCS Facilitator
From our Parish Community…
FIRST FRIDAY MASS & BENEDICTION
From Friday, 7 August, St Luke's Parish will celebrate First Friday Mass and Benediction on the first Friday of each month. Everyone is warmly invited to stay after Mass for this special time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION (Holy Day of Obligation)
Vigil Mass: Friday, 14 August – 6:30 pm
Feast Day Mass: Saturday, 15 August – 9:00 am
OCIA – ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) will begin on Tuesday, 1 September, at 7:00 pm in the parish office. If you are interested in becoming a Catholic, or if you know someone who would like to learn more about the Catholic faith and explore becoming Catholic, we warmly invite you to attend the Inquiry Night.
Parish Contacts
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
For general inquiries and sacramental process details:
Ged Oblea: ged@stlukesmarsdenpark.org.au
Parish Secretary
Ph: (02) 7261-0246.
Mobile: 0422 724 160
Website: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.org.au/