Faith Formation

 and Mission

CSYMI Youth 

On Thursday 27 March Mrs Emma Thomson and five Mater Dei Catholic Students set off to Canberra as part of a larger Diocesan group of high school students to attend The Youth Ministry Equipping School.

Students experienced formation to equip students for Youth Ministry within our school community.

‘Pope Leo XIV reminds us that a personal encounter with Jesus is at the very heart of our witness.’

Students engaged whole heartedly in ice breaker games, Theology Workshops and sacraments including Adoration, Reconciliation and a renewal of Baptismal promises. We look forward to seeing the fruits of their Encounter and have a deep gratitude for their commitment and participation. Sam and Audrey have written reflections of their time at the equipping school. 

“After a long bus ride, the CSYMI crew arrived at our motel in Canberra, we played a few games before resting for the coming days. Day one kicked off with a far shorter bus ride to the campus where everyone got a name tag and began to socialise before the formal welcome and day began. Day one consisted of two workshops with Mass in between them. The day ended with Eucharistic Adoration. The workshop explored many things from writing testimonies to gender and our roles. But ultimately God’s impact and effects on our lives.”

Sam Thomsen - Year 11

“Day Two of The trip consisted of learning about the Theology of The Body of Christ, a worshipping Jesus music lesson and talks on how other people experience God in their lives. It was an incredible opportunity to meet new people from across Australia and express our faith together. My favourite part was the sharing groups we were a part of, where we talked about a chosen saint and ways to be like them. Overall it was an amazing time and I learnt a lot.”

Audrey De Jong - Year 10

2026 Year 12 Retreat

Students had an unforgettable experience at their recent Year 12 Retreat at Warrambui. 

“The Year 12 retreat was an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. It was a chance to build stronger relationships and even create new ones with people we wouldn’t normally talk to. From Chris Doyle making us sing and dance, writing thoughtful affirmations to each other, dressing up with your friend groups and competing in a range of different activities, the experience was filled with unforgettable memories that will stay with us for years to come.” Will Zeogar

“I loved Year 12 Retreat and I loved David’s cow suit. My best friend made me cry happy tears.” Weston Boothey 

“Year 12 retreat provided us with the opportunity to grow closer in our current friendships and also reconcile with one another through various activities such as the reconciliation ceremony, ultimately building our connection with each other as a cohort.”  Trinity Guirguis

“The Year 12 retreat was a phenomenal experience for the entire cohort, as it allowed us an opportunity to reflect , look back, and think about the future that lies ahead.” Vener JR Perdiguera

Year 7 Reflection Day

On Thursday 26 February, Year 7 shared in a day of personal development and community building within a Catholic faith context. Engaging activities and personal testimony was shared by Az Hamilton from Just Motivation.

Easter Raffle

It is also time to prepare for our Easter Raffle to support Micah Hub - a local crisis support hub, caring and supporting people in need, especially those experiencing homelessness. 

As always, we need your support through donations of easter eggs, baskets and gift bags to make this possible. Raffle tickets will be distributed in Homegroups this week, to be sold for $1 each. The Raffle will be drawn at the end of Week 10 before the Easter weekend.

Project Compassion

This year’s Project Compassion theme is “Unite Against Poverty”. In Homegroup students have heard stories of the people of Gaza, Tanzania, Bangladesh and Fiji. These individuals and communities have been empowered and supported by Caritas. 

We are now in Week 3 of collections. Thank you to those who have contributed already. Please consider how you will help those less fortunate than we are this Lent. 

The SRC have come up with some excellent ideas to raise funds and awareness for Project Compassion and the faces behind the 2026 stories. Stay tuned as they share their ideas.    

International Women’s Day Prayer

God,

We honour the women of all times and places,

Women of courage, Women of hope,

Women of suffering, Women of mourning,

Women living fully, Women experiencing joy, Women delighting in life,

Women knowing the interconnectedness of the human family,

Women promoting human flourishing,

Women boldly leading the transformation of unjust global structures,

Women seeking and sharing wisdom and love.

Loving God, we celebrate your faithfulness and love,

On this day we celebrate the promotion of the full humanity of all women everywhere,

We know that whatever denies or distorts the full humanity is not of God,

Help us to be faithful to your call to love all of humanity equally,

In your holy name we pray, Amen. 

(Source: Tané Theron, Christian Ethos and Chapel Prefect, Ravenswood School for Girls)

Please see the Parish Easter Mass times at the end of this newsletter under College News. 

Mrs Rebecca Gill | Leader of Faith Formation and Mission