Mission & Religious Education News

A Prayer for the Closing Year and the Coming of Christ

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this past year, for the grace to serve in our vocation, and for the tireless work of our hands and hearts. As we look forward to the celebration of Christmas, prepare our minds and spirits to receive your Son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Keep us watchful and ready, filled with the joy of your promised presence.

Amen.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival

A total of 47 students and 12 dedicated teachers from Holy Trinity, O'Connor, McCarthy, St. Philomena's, and St. Mary's Gunnedah embarked on a memorable pilgrimage to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne. The journey began with an exciting overnight train trip, fostering community and anticipation among the group. Once in Melbourne, the pilgrims were immersed in a diverse range of spiritual and community activities, including the powerful pilgrimage walk from St. Patrick's Cathedral to the festival venue. The group actively participated in daily Masses, engaging workshops, and inspiring plenaries, which offered profound opportunities for faith formation and fellowship. It was great to spend so much time with Bishop Peter Murphy at the festival including the pilgrimage walk where he helped our students carry the World Youth Day Cross and Icon. Our Director Regina Menz also joined in the activities leading the way at the rallys. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the supervising teachers, Mrs Smith, Miss McGrath, Mrs Garnett, Mr Iuso, Miss Mackson and Mrs Moylan whose generous commitment, care, and guidance ensured a safe, meaningful, and deeply enriching experience for all the students throughout the festival. Special thanks to Kate Frazier who worked so hard to organise a great experience.

The Journey of Hope and Peace

As we journey through this Second Week of Advent, our focus turns to peace and the unwavering hope promised in Christ's coming. ACS staff embody this hope for students every day. In the midst of the bustle that Christmas preparation brings, remember the profound call of the prophet Isaiah: to prepare a way for the Lord in our hearts and in our classrooms. Daily witness, patience, faith, and commitment to service, is the very light that illuminates this path for the young people entrusted to our care. May this week bring moments of profound serenity, allowing reflection on the joy and deep spiritual peace that the approaching celebration of the Nativity offers.

We pray that you have a truly blessed and wonderful Christmas, filled with the warmth of family, the joy of Christ's birth, and a well-deserved time of rest and renewal. May your holidays be a time of peace and happiness.