Religious Education News

In St Paul’s second letter to Timothy, written in around the year 64 or 65 AD, he wrote about having “fought the good fight” and “run the race to the end”. These lines could well be spoken by our Year 12 students who have now finished their formal schooling and are awaiting their HSC examinations which will start in only a few weeks time. Unlike Paul (who was awaiting execution at the time!), the race they are just now finishing is only the start of a much longer race, that being their life outside the confines of school. 

Earlier in his letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged him to continue to proclaim Jesus’ message, whether or not the time was favourable or unfavourable, and to be patient. This message is also applicable to our students, as well as anyone involved in the education of our young people - teachers, parents and everyone they come into contact with. 

Throughout this term we have had many opportunities for members of the O’Connor community to proclaim Jesus’ message through their good works. Following on from the excellent efforts of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal clothing drive at the end of Term 2, students participated in a sleepout here at school and over $600 was donated to the Armidale Winter Appeal. Our Year 10 students continued to support the work of our Catechists in delivering religious education lessons to students at Ben Venue and Newling public schools, and our year 11, 8 and 9 students all participated in successful retreats at Coffs Harbour and here in Armidale. 

Next term we will have the opportunity to support the work of Catholic Mission, with each house being challenged to run activities and help raise much needed funds for the work of Catholic Mission in countries such as Zambia in Africa. This annual appeal has helped millions of people in the decades that it has run, and provide us with the opportunity to continue to “fight the good fight”.

We pray for our Year 12 students as they come to the end of this stage of their life’s race, and prepare to step out into the broader world, wherever that may lead them. 

A Prayer for Year 12 Students

Dear Lord,

As our Year 12 students begin the final leg of their school journey, we ask for your guidance and strength. We know that their path ahead is challenging, and that they will feel the weight of their studies, exams, and future decisions.

We remember the words of St. Paul, who encouraged us to "run the race to the end." We pray that they may have the discipline and endurance to finish this race well. Help them to focus on their goals, to persevere through moments of doubt and fatigue, and to support one another as they strive toward the finish line.

May they not only seek academic success but also grow in character and wisdom. Let them be a source of encouragement to each other, a testament to their teachers, and a blessing to their families.

We place our trust in your divine plan and pray that you will give them peace in our hearts and minds.

Amen.

Mr Andrew May

Religious Education Coordinator

Our Founders - St Angela Merici and St John Baptiste De La Salle

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish

Keeping in touch with what is happening in the Cathedral Parish is easy through their website and Facebook pages.

With such a difficult year and a half it has been harder for parishioner's to give to the parish through the plates, particularly when the church is closed as it is at present. The Parish account details are available on the Parish bulletin. 

Cathedral Parish Website

Information about our founders

La Salle Website

Ursuline Sisters Website