Religious Education News

As we approach the midpoint of the Advent season, we can be so blinded by the rapid approach of Christmas that we forget the purpose of the season of Advent - preparation for the coming of Jesus. The four weeks of Advent all have a specific focus. The first week’s focus is hope; the second week emphasises peace; the third week joy, and the last week is love. 

The news from Sydney that is currently dominating our thoughts shows that now, more than ever, we need to work together to make these four themes a reality in our world. This term we have done many activities at O’Connor that have sought to bring life to these themes. As a community we raised funds for Catholic Mission, and then in the last few weeks the generosity of our school community was shown for all to see through our support for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal. These appeals were the culmination of what’s been a very successful year in support of Catholic aid and social justice agencies, and heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who helped in any way. 

Last week we gathered as a school to recognise the invaluable contributions

 of migrants to our country, hosting the Jubilee Migrant Cross and holding a beautiful procession and liturgy on the lawn at the front of the grotto, adjacent to the chapel, and on the following Saturday, many of our migrant families joined with the parish to celebrate Mass and a lovely multicultural mini-festival in the forecourt of the cathedral. 

I’d like to give a heartfelt thanks to our Religious Education teachers who have committed themselves to ensuring that students are given many ways in which to approach God. I’d like to thank the Year 10 students who once again provided fantastic support to the Scripture lessons in some of our local state schools, and the Year 11 Lasallian Youth Leaders who supported our retreats, STEP days and many other College activities as young Christian leaders. I’d also like to thank our 2025 Faith and Service Captain, Freya Giles, and Joe Schmude, our last ever Lasallian Youth Minister for their sterling efforts this year. 

In conclusion, as we look forward to Christmas and the New Year, let’s remind ourselves that ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’, praying for peace and harmony in our world. 

Loving Father,

Help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the song of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds,

and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,

and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,

forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake.

Amen.

Mr Andrew May

Religious Education Coordinator

Jubilee Migrant Cross Liturgy

Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025

On Friday 28th November, 8 brave souls embarked on their youth pilgrimage. pilgrims conquered a long train from Armidale to Sydney and an even-longer and sleep challenging overnight train trip to arrive in Melbourne with smiling faces, eager hearts and enthusiastic eyes. 

We explored Melbourne, discovering a world so different yet equally exciting from our home. 

After much needed rest, we rose invigorate and ready to experience mass in the largest cathedral in Australia with our brothers and sisters in Christ, our lord. 

We then set off on a 5km walk of the pilgrimage with thousands of our fellow Catholics walking behind icons of our faith. 

Our following days have been filled with prayer, song and dance, motivational speakers, adoration, confession, exhibition of saints the Shroud of Turin, expo spaces and many more. 

Mrs Emily Smith

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