Faith Formation and Mission
Mr Sandy Abbey | Assistant Principal - Faith Formation and Mission
Today, we celebrated our Holy Week and Easter Liturgy. Our Year 11 Drama students beautifully portrayed the events of Good Friday, reminding us of the profound sacrifice made. However, as we reflect on this solemn day, it is essential to remember that Easter is not just about the crucifixion but the resurrection that follows. As Luke’s Gospel reminds us, “why do you look for the living among the dead?”
In our world today, filled with concerns and uncertainties, the Easter message shines as a beacon of hope. Just as the resurrection signifies new life and triumph over death, we too can find hope and renewal amidst our challenges. Good Friday teaches us the importance of sacrifice and reflection, but Easter Sunday reminds us that there is always light after darkness.
As we journey into our holidays, let us carry this message of hope in our hearts, celebrating the resurrection and the promise of new beginnings. As we navigate through our daily lives, may we always look forward with optimism and faith, knowing that hope and renewal are always within reach.
Heartworks@Chev
This term we have launched Heartworks@Chev. Heartworks was originally a group of school leavers who met at Douglas Park each month. Over the years Heartworks has provided young people with meaningful opportunities of encounter. The group continues from time to time with many of the members now having children of their own.
Heartworks@Chev aims to give current students the opportunity to connect, reflect and work together towards a better world. By doing this, interested students can delve deeper into our Spirituality of the Heart. For our first gathering in March, Kelly McCrohon from Vinnies spoke to the students about the great work of the Vinnies Vans before students made well over 150 sandwiches to be distributed.
Our second gathering had a sustainability focus and explored the issue of fast fashion. Students reflected on the life cycle of a t-shirt and considered how they can make ethical choices when choosing clothes.
Project Compassion
Thank you to all families who have supported Project Compassion. This term we have raised awareness and much needed funds for vulnerable communities around the world through a variety ways as we support Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten appeal.
Students have supported the Shrove Tuesday pancake stall, St Patrick’s Day cake stall, donated using our Project Compassion boxes in homerooms, through EFTPOS and via the online fundraising pages for each house. Thirty students also took part in the Big Water Walk (in very wet conditions) on the College Open Day as a means of starting conversations on the plight of many people around the globe.
Staff Spirituality Day
Our staff spirituality day on Friday 21 March was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Laudato Si and consider how we can care for our common home. The day commenced with a smoking ceremony from Gundungurra Elder Uncle Peter before Mel Wiya shared her story and showcased links between the land and identity in indigenous culture.
Sally Neeves who works closely with the Sisters of Mercy then led the day unpacking Pope Francis’ call for an ecological conversion in light of our MSC charism. She helped to break open this message in authentic and practical ways, giving us new insights into how we might do this at Chev.
We then finished the day planting 117 trees as a practical expression of our growing awareness for the interconnectedness of humanity with all of creation. Thank you also to the What if Society who catered the day and introduced us to their sustainable philosophy.
Cultural Experiences in Islam
Our Studies of Religion studies have recently had a number of experiences to enhance their understanding of Islam. Recently, students attended the Ramadan Night Markets in Lakemba to have a cultural immersion. The evening was a wonderful opportunity to break fast with our Muslim brothers and sisters. In addition, to enhance their learning of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, some students also used the VR lab to be immersed in the pilgrimage and gain a deeper appreciation of the Hajj experience for adherents.
The Pope and Artificial Intelligence
Thank you to Mr Ryan Noonan our Leader of Digital Technologies and Innovation who recently shared with staff the Vatican’s recent paper on artificial intelligence. It has some wonderful insights into how AI can enhance our vocation as co-creators in partnership with God whilst reminding us of our inherent gift of moral agency.
You can read the paper here: