The Net

Faith and Mission

Faith and Formation

 

Formation

Liturgy

During weeks 7 to 9, we had a busy time celebrating our faith through our Stage Liturgies by recognising that our Catholic identity is a the centre of our College. 

In week 7, we started our Stage liturgies for Term 4 with the youngest students in our College. On Wednesday, November 22nd, Early Stage 1 students and their parents came together for a special liturgy celebration under the theme "How God the Father is Present in Our Lives." Through interactive prayers and sharing of the learning, the event beautifully unfolded, fostering a sense of unity and deepening the connection with the divine amid daily life. The cozy atmosphere buzzed with shared prayers and songs, creating a memorable experience for both children and parents alike.

On the same day, our Stage 1 students and their parents celebrated their Term 4 liturgy-themed "How God Speaks to Us." Through engaging with the story of David and Goliath and other moments of prayer, the liturgy explored how God communicates with young hearts. Filled with songs and students learning, the celebration showed how God's voice resonates in the lives of Stage 1 students and their families.

In week 8, Year 7 delved into the mystery of the Incarnation of Christ and how he became a human through the Virgin Mary. Through this mystery, students were able to explore the significance of the humanity of Jesus and how Christmas is a reminder of this mystery. Students were able to share the poems they had written on this topic and show their understanding of how Jesus became man. Students also join in songs and prayer to celebrate an encounter with Jesus as a child who comes to meet us.  

 

 

Following this liturgy, on Thursday of week 8, Stage 2 students, their teachers and their families gathered for a heartwarming liturgy celebration exploring the theme, "What Does It Mean to Be a Hero?" Filled with youthful enthusiasm, the event delved into the virtues that make everyday heroes. Through inspiring stories and shared reflections, the celebration left a lasting impact, fostering a sense of courage and compassion in the hearts of both children and parents. Together, they discovered the profound meaning of the heroic virtues and the call to holiness that every Christian is called to follow. 

 

 

Our last liturgy was celebrated by Stages 5 and 6 on Wednesday 6th December. Our students in SOE explored the themes of Prayer and Care for the Common Good in this Liturgy. Students took the initiative to lead the liturgy and be active members of this encounter with God. A large number of our senior students were able to participate through reading and setting up the prayer space, as well as, through the singing of hymns. The Year 11 band was able to share their gifts and talents and lead their peers through music and hymns. 

  

  

  

 

Young Catholic Students:

 

Young Christian Students (YCS) is the sister organisation of Young Christian Workers (YCW), a movement founded by Cardinal Joseph Cardijn in Belgium in 1924 which came to Australia in 1939. As a boy, Cardinal Cardijn had seen the exploitation of working people in the factories close to his home. Applying the principle that each person is created in the image of God, his movement aimed to restore the dignity of workers and help laypeople discover they too have Christian vocations.

Today YCW and YCS encourage young workers and students to uncover needs in their community and take action.  The Diocese of Parramatta supports Parramatta Christian Workers and Young Christian Students.  Mrs James facilitates YCS here at St Luke’s Catholic College and has helped to organisie the following initiatives :

 

  1. ‘YCS Solved’ Podcast:

 

Students have had the opportunity to dive into the cultural richness on 'YCS Solved' Episode 2. This episode explores St Luke's Feast Day, Diwali - the Festival of Lights, and a solemn Remembrance Day tribute. Plus, an exclusive chat with Antonio, one of our school's cadets, sharing insights on the significance of the Remembrance day.

 

  1. Guest Visit:

Ashish Chaulagain, National YCW Coordinator visited our College on 28th November to meet our YCS leaders. He was impressed by their contribution, collaboration and competence. In his presence, students planned for 2024 and chose themes for different periods. This is the brainstorm screenshot from the session.  Some of these ideas we hope to bring to prominence in 2024.

 

 

Social Outreach

 

Vinnie’s Christmas Hampers - 

 

On Thursday, December 7 we welcomed volunteers front he St Vinvcent de Paul Riverstone Conference to St Luke’s to collect the 70 Christmass Hampers donated by the families, students and staff of St Luke’s.  We thank all of you who have participated and behalf of the local community in need a BIG THANK YOU!!

 

As always, thank you for your generosity and support! 

 

We hope you have a Blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with the JOY of the season!!

 

With Blessings

From the Faith and Formation Team

 

Miss Isabel Ruiz Davila - Liturgy Coordinator

Miss Melinda Rego - Social Outreach Coordinator

Miss Delcie D’Mello - RE Inquiry Leader K-4

Mrs Tessie James - RE Inquiry Leader 5-8

Mrs Julie Atkins - Leader Faith and Formation