Faith, Mission 

& Identity

Staff Spirituality Day 2026

Last week, the staff of Brigidine College Randwick stepped away from the busy routines of the classroom to embark on a deeply meaningful, shared pilgrimage for our annual Staff Spirituality Day.

As Brigidine College Randwick celebrates 125 years of faith, learning, and community, we pause to honour the legacy of those who have walked before us. Inspired by the Brigidine spirit of Fortiter et Suaviter, Strength and Gentleness, this day invited us into a pilgrimage: a sacred practice of walking attentively, reflecting deeply, and rediscovering God’s presence in both history and the present moment.

This year’s journey was uniquely significant as we anchored our reflections in Sydney Catholic Schools’ Magis 2033 strategic vision, alongside the 2026 system theme, “Trust in the Lord for true peace and strength.” 

To bring this vision to life, our staff drew from deep wells of faith, culture, and knowledge, through five distinct pilgrimage paths:

• Canticle of the City: St Francis 800th anniversary walk at Hyde Park
• Green Fire Walk: St Brigid’s Path at Hyde Park
• Fortiter et Suaviter Pilgrimage Path: Remembering the Pioneer Sisters at Brigidine College at the Royal Botanical Gardens
• The Evolution of Sacred Art, Creation, and Global Faith narratives: Art Gallery of NSW
• The Grand Narrative of Creation, Stewardship, and Wonder: Australian Museum

Our shared journey also brought us all together to the Sistine Chapel Exhibition, where we stepped into a breathtaking, immersive encounter with sacred art. As we gazed upon Michelangelo’s masterpieces detailing the story of creation and salvation, we were reminded of the grandeur of God's grace. This experience beautifully aligns with the 2026 theme: “Trust in the Lord for true peace and strength”. Grounded in the scripture, “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33), we are called to lean into our faith to find genuine peace, stay strong, and act courageously amidst the modern challenges of our vocation.

Through prayer, story, silence, and encounter, we recognise that the legacy of faith is not confined to the past. It continues to shape who we are, how we serve, and the hope we carry forward. By grounding our staff in the Magis framework, we ensure that our educators return to their classrooms inspired, renewed, and fully equipped to form young people of faith, character, and courage. May this shared journey renew within us the courage to walk gently, act justly, and remain open to the transforming grace of God.

Pope Leo’s latest Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence

On May 25th 2026, Pope Leo XIV officially published his first encyclical that outlines the Catholic Church's guidance on safeguarding human dignity in an increasingly automated world. A link to the Encyclical can be found here. Some of the key points explored include:

• Guidance for tech companies on whether artificial intelligence can embrace a spiritual component in a way that values humanity.
• The point that while not “inherently evil”, AI is also “not neutral”.
• AI technology is extractive in that it uses people’s data. To serve society, society must be included in its development and advancement.
• The document is aspirational: it is not likely to drive AI legislation, but it is influencing the foundation of conversations about AI in the tech space.

Term 2 Winter Appeal

The Vinnies Winter Appeal for 2026 is running from Week 6 to Week 10 this term.

This year the Winter Appeal’s focus is “One Crisis Away From Homelessness”. It centres on the fact that, for more and more people, homelessness is just one sudden crisis away. The Appeal highlights people’s capacity to deal with a sudden unexpected crisis, e.g. job loss, illness, death of a loved one, unexpected bills, etc. Increased cost of living and unaffordable housing exacerbates the issue, driving more people into homelessness and poverty.

Our school's donations will be going to the Redfern Support Centre. Years 7, 8 & 9 have been allocated food items to donate; and Years 10, 11 & 12 have been allocated personal care items.

Our school's support will allow Vinnies to help those who are at risk of, or who are already experiencing homelessness; as well as the growing number of people struggling with the cost of living. Thank you in advance for your support this winter.

Philosophy Club Update

A special thank you to Philosophy Club members for their enthusiasm in attending the Thomistic Institute Lecture at The University of Sydney, exploring the Catholic Church’s response to feminism and the intersection of philosophy and theology in contemporary academia.

Monica Ribeiro

Director of Religious Education & Mission