Especean

Faith, Justice and Formation

Chapel Etiquette 

This is a reminder that the Chapel is a sacred space, at the heart of our College. It is used for many different things from Mass to talks and reflection, but it is important to remember that Jesus is present in the tabernacle. When we gather in the Chapel it is to worship God and thus, we must show our respect and devotion through how we behave and what we do. 

 

The Chapel is not a café, assembly hall, meeting place or the like. As such we need to act with reverence when in there. 

 

Mass is a sacred ritual that is something we participate in, not just watch like sport. Our actions as adults are what younger people take their lead from, thus it is important we model what is appropriate. We are to respond during the Mass, to join in singing and to engage with the readings and each other. Above all we are to show our love of God. You are still very welcome to attend Mass as part of the community even if you are not Catholic. You just need to follow the crowd to help you – mistakes are forgiven! We just ask that respect is still shown. 

 

We want people to come to Mass and use the Chapel, but we sadly need to remind everyone of some things that are not appropriate in there: 

  • Drinking coffee  

  • Bringing in water bottles to sip throughout Mass 

  • Eating any food 

  • Answering phone calls 

  • Not having your phone or electronic devices turned to silence or off 

  • Leaving behind rubbish including tissues 

I thank you for your attention to these matters and warmly welcome all of you to all Masses and rituals open to the community. 

It’s Time Magazine 

The College’s Social Justice Action Group (SJAG) publishes a magazine every semester which looks at current justice issues and what is going on around the College in this area. The latest edition will be emailed to all students, staff and parents later this week so keep your eye out for some holiday reading. 

 

This edition features articles on war, reconciliation, sustainability, truth, faith and more. 

I commend the young men of SJAG, along with Mrs Jessica Lonard and Ms Linda Zambrano, for researching, writing and compiling this publication. 

Australian Catholic Youth Festival 

It has been five years since the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) has been held, but it is on again this year in Melbourne from 30 November to 2 December. This event is similar to a mini-World Youth Day, where Catholics from across the country will come together to share in their faith. 

 

The program will include Mass, workshops, talks, live concerts, games, justice discussions and an interactive expo. To learn more about the event and the planned program go to Home - Australian Catholic Youth Festival Melbourne 2025. You can also see more of what it is about through this short video - An invitation to the 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival. 

 

St Patrick’s College is offering you the opportunity to attend as an SPC group, travelling with Sydney Catholic Schools. Here are the details: 

  • Open to students in Years 9 to 11. 

  • Dates are Saturday 29 November to Wednesday 3 December (including travel). 

  • If you are in the College’s Orchestra and Choir, or any other group required for Speech Night, you will NOT be able to attend due to rehearsals, unfortunately. 

  • On return from the festival, students are required to attend Speech Night on Wednesday 3 December (this is not optional and nor will students be given leave). 

  • Cost: $1,900 per student (inclusive of flights, accommodation, local transport, event registration, daily breakfast and a group dinner on Saturday night; with some contributing to youth who would ordinarily not be able to attend) – to be paid by 15 August (details will be sent to you). 

  • SPC Staff will attend with our students if we get enough interest. 

If you/your son is interested, please fill in the following Expression of Interest form by 9:00 AM Friday 25 July. From here we will send you specific details and next steps. 

ACYF Expression of Interest for SPC  

 

This is a wonderful opportunity that won’t happen again for a while. Feel free to email me with any questions at gillian.daley@spc.nsw.edu.au  

 

Gillian Daley 

Director of Identity 

SPC Winter Sleep Out 

Last Friday, 20 June, 61 students and 12 staff members participated in the annual Winter Sleepout. The purpose of the sleepout was to learn about the homeless and mirror their struggles in a quest for empathy. It began with a series of activities, led by the Social Justice Action Group (SJAG), where students were able to realise their initial beliefs on homelessness and discuss them with those around them, unpacking different ideas. This was followed by a simple dinner consisting of soup and bread to highlight the necessities barely achieved by the homeless every day. Following dinner, students participated in a production line to package the toiletry items donated during the Winter Appeal to be sent to St Vincent de Paul Homeless services. The night concluded with more activities, including watching an episode of Filthy Rich and Homeless from SBS, a serious where well-off individuals can physically partake in the struggle of homelessness, providing an insight into what being homeless is really like.  

While the sleepout itself was a struggle, it reminded students of how fortunate we really are and how grateful we should be to simply have a roof over our heads. We also talked about how we can advocate for and support those who struggle day to day and year to year. In conclusion, it was an eye-opening experience that I strongly recommend be done by more students next year. 

Anthony Naim 

Social Justice Prefect 

Speaking 4 The Planet 

For its third year in a row St Patrick’s College participated in Speaking 4 The Planet, run by Climate Action Burwood-Canada Bay, through students submitting writing, drama, and art entries under the topic 'Greenhouse Gasses = Climate Calamity.' Not only did the boys practice advocating, but also got to meet the wonderful Dr Karl Kruszelnicki whose presentation on climate change really opened our eyes on how fuel companies have pushed climate change as a myth and what we can do to combat that. It was an amazing opportunity to engage with other schools and share our thoughts and hope we stay close with this community in the years to come so we can really make a difference.  

Andreas Blatsos 

Sustainability Prefect