Faith, Mission 

& Identity

Carlo Acutis Exhibition and Relics:

On Tuesday 20th October, some Year 7 & 8 students had the opportunity of visiting OLSH Church and OLSH Primary School Randwick to participate in the St Carlo Acutis Exhibition. The relics of Saint Carlo Acutis are currently travelling throughout Australia to evangelise and encourage the faithful to follow and emulate St Carlo's spirituality and example, which will help us to be transformed into Love through the Eucharist. Students were able to learn more about the life of Carlo and also the Eucharistic Miracles that he recorded on his website.

Year 8 and Year 10 SCS RE Test:

During Week 2 of this term, students in Years 8 and 10 sat the annual Sydney Catholic Schools Archdiocesan Religious Education Test. Comprising 50 multiple choice questions, the test evaluates student understanding of Stage 4 and Stage 5 Religious Education content. Award certificates will be presented to students at the end of the year once results are finalised.

Walk with Christ Event:

Our school community has been invited to participate in the annual Walk with Christ Eucharistic Procession on Sunday 22nd November, held on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

This major Archdiocesan event is a joyful public witness of faith, bringing together thousands of Catholics, families and school communities across Sydney to process through the city streets behind the Blessed Sacrament.

• Date: Sunday 22nd November 2026
• Festival: From 1:00 PM at Martin Place (food, music and prayerful atmosphere)
• Procession: Departs at 2:30 PM from the corner of Martin Place and Pitt Street
• What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket if needed.

We encourage all students, staff and families to join us in walking together to profess our faith and support this meaningful tradition.

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for November:

Pope Leo XIV's monthly prayer intention for November 2026 focuses on using wealth and material resources responsibly to serve the common good and support those in need by focusing on:

• Stewardship Over Selfishness: An invitation to reflect on how material blessings are handled, challenging believers to resist consumerism.
• Solidarity with the Poor: A call to align personal resources with the Gospel values of generosity, ensuring that those in need receive tangible support.
• Building a Fairer Society: Highlighting how communal sharing and social responsibility can transform societies by reflecting collective justice and mercy.

Prayer:

"Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service of the common good and solidarity of those who have less".

Term 4 Liturgies & Catholic Feast Days:

This term offers rich opportunities for whole school prayer, reflection and family community gatherings:

November 1: All Saints’ Day

Significance: Honours every soul currently in heaven from famous canonised figures like St. Francis or St. Brigid to ordinary family members and everyday believers whose holy lives were known only to God.

Why It Matters to Our Students: It shows teens that sainthood is an attainable goal for regular people, not an impossible ideal. It reminds them that their unique talents, personalities and daily struggles can be channeled into living a life of authentic purpose and holiness.

November 2: All Souls' Day

Significance: A solemn day dedicated to praying for the souls of all the faithful departed who are undergoing purification in Purgatory as they prepare to enter heaven.

Why It Matters to Our Students: It provides a healthy, faith-filled space to navigate grief, honour lost loved ones and understand the permanence of spiritual bonds. It teaches students compassion and the responsibility of caring for others through prayer, even after death.

November 9: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Significance: Commemorates the consecration of the Pope’s official cathedral in Rome the primary "mother church" representing the physical and spiritual home of Catholicism worldwide.

Why It Matters to Our Students: It helps high schoolers look past their local parish or campus chapel and see themselves as part of a global, historic community. It reinforces that their faith anchors them to a rich history and a universal network of believers.

November 21: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Significance: Commemorates the tradition of Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne, bringing her to the Temple in Jerusalem as a young child to dedicate her life entirely to God's service and preparation for her future role.

Why It Matters to Our Students: It highlights the power of early commitment, trust and saying "yes" to God's plan before knowing every detail of the future. It encourages high schoolers to dedicate their own talents, studies and personal choices to a higher purpose during these formative years.

November 22: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Christ the King)

Significance: Marks the grand finale of the Catholic liturgical year, proclaiming Jesus Christ as the ultimate, peaceful sovereign over all human history, nations and hearts.

Why It Matters to Our Students: High schoolers constantly face competing priorities whether it be grades, social media, peer pressure and future ambitions. This feast asks them to examine who or what truly sits on the "throne" of their lives and encourages them to lead with servant leadership and Christian integrity.

Monica Ribeiro

Director of Religious Education & Mission