Faith and Mission
Indigenous Culture
‘Warami Mittigar’ – which means “Hello friends... welcome!” in the local Darug language.
Planning for 2026: Strengthening Cultural Learning at St Luke’s
Over the next week, the senior Indigenous students of St Luke’s will be meeting with Uncle Ted to begin planning key initiatives for 2026. This important collaboration will help shape opportunities for cultural learning, celebration, and connection across our College.
As these plans develop, we will continue to ensure that our whole community becomes increasingly familiar with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, traditions, and perspectives.
This work is central to growing as a community that values respect, understanding, and genuine relationship with First Nations peoples.
We look forward to sharing updates as these initiatives take shape.
Faith and Formation
Liturgy
Growing in Faith: Students Celebrate Mass in the Parish Church
Over the past few weeks, our Stage 2, Year 9, and Year 10 students have had the opportunity to celebrate Mass with Fr Gayan in the Parish Church. These celebrations have been a valuable time for prayer, reflection, and connection to our parish community.
As students spend time in this sacred space, they are becoming increasingly familiar with the expectations of reverence, respect, and appropriate behaviour during Mass. Learning how to participate meaningfully in the liturgy is an important part of their faith formation, and it has been wonderful to see students growing in confidence and understanding.
Looking ahead to 2026, students will continue to attend Mass class by class with the Parish. This approach will support more intentional formation, ensuring each group has the time and space to learn, ask questions, and develop a deeper appreciation for the significance of the Mass in our Catholic tradition.
We are grateful to Fr Gayan and the Parish team for welcoming our students so warmly and supporting their ongoing faith journey.
A New Rhythm of Prayer at St Luke’s
This term, St Luke’s introduced Midday Prayer, led by our Year 12 Student Leaders across all stages of the College. From Kindergarten to Year 12, students have embraced this shared moment of reflection, creating a powerful sense of unity and providing families with a meaningful opportunity to discuss the daily prayer together at home.
Now in Week 6, students are becoming increasingly familiar with this new rhythm in their day. The sense of calm and peace that settles over St Luke’s at midday is truly exceptional, offering a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
This daily practice is helping our students deepen their spirituality, cultivate gratitude, and strengthen their connection with God and one another. As this rhythm continues to grow, it is becoming a cherished part of our community life at St Luke’s.
Christmas Carols in the Marketplace – December 5 from 5.30 pm
The countdown is on! With only a short time to go until our St Luke’s Catholic College and Parish Community Christmas Carols, we invite you to join us as we come together to celebrate the joy and spirit of Christmas.
Our students are busily preparing to share their gifts through song and dance, bringing festive cheer to the entire community. And… we’ve sent a special invitation to Santa — we’re hopeful he’ll be able to join us!
Date: Friday, December 5Time: Arrive from 5.30 pm for a 6.00 pm startLocation: The Marketplace
Bring your family, your voices, and your Christmas spirit — it’s sure to be a wonderful evening of celebration, connection, and community.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you as the countdown continues!
Social Outreach
At St Luke’s, our Social Justice initiatives are grounded in our Catholic faith. We are guided by the belief that :
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him.” – Genesis 1:27.This reminds us of the dignity and worth of every person, calling us to act with compassion and justice, especially for those on the margins of society.
Operation Christmas Child
Last week, we took a group of students to volunteer with Operation Christmas Child, a global initiative that packs and sends shoeboxes filled with gifts, school supplies and personal-care items to children in need. In 2024, nearly 12 million shoeboxes were packed and sent to children around the world.
A highlight of the day was hearing from a young woman who received one of these shoeboxes as a child. She even brought the bear she still has from her box and shared how much it meant to her. Now, she’s giving back by helping pack shoeboxes for others. This is a great reminder that small acts of kindness can make a huge impact.
St Luke’s Vinnie’s Christmas Hampers
As we continue our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the generous families who have already sent in their donations. Your kindness is already making a difference in the lives of local families who need extra support this Christmas.
We kindly remind all families that donations are due by Thursday, November 28. Each class has been allocated specific items, and all contributions can be sent in with your child or placed in the collection tubs provided.
Your generosity helps us live out our College motto, Live the Good News, by supporting those in our wider community who are doing it tough at this time of year.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and compassion.
Celebrating Community at Marsden Park Care Community’s Spring Fair
On Thursday, November 20, a group of talented singers, dancers, and musicians from across St Luke’s Catholic College visited Marsden Park Care Community to help celebrate their Spring Fair and the community’s second anniversary of operation.
Students presented a vibrant mix of cultural and creative dance performances, while our choir and band offered joyful musical entertainment. Their presence brought warmth, energy, and connection to the residents, many of whom expressed deep appreciation for the talent, care, and enthusiasm our students shared.
In addition to the performances, our Year 12 Mission class contributed to the celebration by baking homemade biscuits for the residents. This thoughtful gesture added an extra layer of kindness to the event and was warmly received by all.
This visit was a meaningful opportunity for our young people to live out our College motto, Live the Good News, by using their gifts in service to others and building relationships across generations.
Vinnie’s Sandwiches
During the term, a group of Year 9 students dedicated their lunchtime on Friday, 24 October and Friday, 14 November to assist in preparing sandwiches for Vinnies as part of our ongoing social outreach program. Their contribution supported vulnerable individuals within the wider community who rely on these vital services.
This initiative provided students with a meaningful opportunity to engage in Faith in Action (FIA), reinforcing the importance of service, compassion, and active participation in the mission of our College. Through their involvement, students gained a deeper appreciation of how consistent, small acts of generosity can positively influence the lives of others.
We commend our Year 9 students for their commitment, maturity, and willingness to uphold the values of our College through this significant outreach initiative.
WASTE FREE WEDNESDAYS - Social Justice Initiative
In alignment with Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home, we have introduced ‘Waste Free Wednesdays’. This initiative encourages students to bring lunches free from single-use plastics, fostering environmental stewardship and reflecting our Catholic values.
Each Wednesday, we’re encouraging all students and staff to bring waste-free lunches to help care for our environment.
- That means: Reusable containers Refillable drink bottles Nude food (no wrappers or single-use plastics)
Let’s work together to reduce waste and protect God’s creation.Every small action makes a big difference!
Think Green. Act Clean. Be Waste-Free!
Thank you for your support in making this initiative a success!
From the St Luke’s Parish Community
NOVEMBER MEMORIAL MASS
A special Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 21 November at 6.30 pm. You are welcome to bring a flower and place it at the altar before Mass in remembrance of your loved one.
LUKE 18 YOUTH GROUP ~
Our next Luke 18 Youth Group will be on Friday, 21 November, starting with the 6:30 pm Mass in the church, followed by the youth group in the Marketplace at St Luke’s Catholic College.
ADVENT PROGRAMME ~
As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of our Saviour, we warmly invite you to join our Advent programme. Each week, we will reflect on the Sunday Gospel and share in a group discussion. When: Thursday, 27 November, 7pm
Where: Old Parish Office.
Advent programme booklets will be available from the piety stall next weekend for $10 each. All are welcome.
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
Ged Oblea: marsdenpark@parracatholic.org
Administrative Assistant
Ph: 02 8530 0173 Mobile: 0422 724 160
Website: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.org.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlukesmarsdenpark