Faith, Justice and Formation
Season of Creation and Sustainability
The Season of Creation is a global ecumenical initiative every year from 1 September to 4 October. It is about working together to improve the condition of the Earth we have been entrusted to care for by God. This year’s theme is ‘Peace with Creation’ coming from the Prophet Isaiah (32:14-18). He pictured the desolated Creation without peace because of the lack of justice and the broken relationship between God and humankind. This description of devastated cities and wastelands eloquently stresses the fact that human destructive behaviours have a negative impact on the Earth.
Our hope is that Creation will find peace when justice is restored. There is still hope and the expectation for a peaceful Earth.
To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and quiet, but to act, pray, change, and reconcile with Creation and the Creator in unity, repentance, and solidarity.
To learn more about the Season of Creation click here - Season of Creation.
Our Social Justice Prefect, Anthony Naim, spoke about all of this at assembly last because at St Patrick’s this season we hold our annual commitment to creation, Springtember. Last Friday also, in the Pastoral Care Lessons, each cohort focused on an element of environmental sustainability:
Year 5 – What is Environmental Sustainability?
Year 6 – First Nations Sustainable Practices
Year 7 – Climate Change and Food
Year 8 – Climate Change and Health
Year 9 – Climate Change and Sport and the Economy
Year 10 – Laudato sí and Integral Ecology
Year 11 – Migration and Climate Refugees (To do later due to exams)
Year 12 – UN Environmental Program and Careers in Sustainability.
We can’t be passive in our commitment to the Earth and ultimately peace, we must actively work for it. This is an area of life and a justice issue that needs to be taken seriously. There are too many of our young people brushing it off and seeing no value in caring for creation. This concerns me greatly. Learn more and chat more as a family. We are here to help in any way possible.
Don’t forget the section on Sustainability on the College website - Justice, Peace and Ecology | St Patrick's College Strathfield (scroll down).
Let us build peace with creation together!
Pre-Loved Clothes Shop
As part of our commitment to a circular economy and therefore our commitment to the Earth, the Sustainability Prefect, Andreas Blatsos, and the Social Justice Action Group (SJAG) have developed Re-Up, a recycled clothing shop for all students in the College.
Giving back to the community has been a consistent goal of SPC with all the campaigns throughout the year that help donate and serve those in need.
For Springtember, students have been given the opportunity to give to each other and the Earth by donating and buying pre-loved clothes, including tops, pants, and jerseys. Clean and wearable items can be brought into the Bangawarra Room during any Recess this week. All items must have been washed before drop off and not have rips or stains.
The shop will then be open to all students at Lunch on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 September in the Bangawarra Room on the Coghlan balcony.
Fashion is one of the major contributors to climate change due to the use of natural resources and water, as well as the excess being placed in landfill due to fast fashion. It contributes more carbon into the atmosphere than the flight and shipping industries combined. Buying pre-loved items is one way of reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring we don’t waste valuable resources.
All items will cost a few dollars, and t-shirts are free. All money collected will go to an environmental cause. We only want male clothes, but in all sizes. A wide range of items would be great.
We would love the community’s support for this worthwhile initiative!! Thank you.
Fathers’ Day Mass and Morning Tea Details
The College’s Fathers’ Day Masses will take place this Friday 5 September. All fathers, grandfathers and father figures who have RSVP’d are reminded of the details below.
Venue
College Gymnasium, next to the pool on the corner of Merley Road and Francis Street.
Timing
7:45 AM Mass is for families in Hanrahan, Hickey and Rice.
9:30 AM Mass is for families in Berg, Coghlan and Crichton.
Morning Tea
The Morning Tea, hosted by the P&F, will commence at 8:45 AM for those going to the second Mass. Once the first Mass finishes the dads are invited to join the Morning Tea which will be held in the Scientia Plaza. Boys can help direct their dads to the place, but the Morning Tea is not for the students.
Parking
We suggest you consider public transport or being dropped off on the day, as parking will be limited and the two Masses cross over. This is a good way to connect to our focus on and commitment to the Season of Creation.
Roles in the Mass
Those doing a role will have reserved seats and are to meet Mr Herro or Mrs Fogliani near the altar on arrival.
We look forward to celebrating this special relationship with you on the day and wish all fathers and father-figures a wonderful day on Sunday! May St Joseph continue to guide all of you in your parental vocation.
Gillian Daley
Director of Identity