Faith, Justice and Formation
SPC Annual Winter Sleep Out
Last Friday night, 100 boys and students attended the Annual Winter Sleep Out at the College. For this event, students underwent a variety of activities and exercises before they ended the night sleeping out in the Edmund’s Way locker area. The Winter Sleep Out proved to be a very valuable experience for students and teachers alike by helping us to understand different perspectives and to develop empathy for those less fortunate than us.
One of the activities we did was Population Groups, where students, on different occasions, were put into different sizes and compositions. At each one of these occasions, the groups the students were in reflected a specific statistic about homeless people. Their goal was ultimately to guess which statistic and category they represented. For instance, 1 student was placed into one group, with the 99 others being clumped into another. Students eventually guessed that this reflected how the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) reported a rate of 106.3 clients per 10,000 population, or 1.1% of the Australian population. This activity powerfully exemplified how homelessness affects social and cultural groups in different ways, and revealed insights onto the complex nature of homelessness.
We also watched the ABC Documentary Under Cover, which focuses on a specific group of Australian homeless women over the age of 50. This was especially relevant as in Australia today, women over 50 are the fasting growing cohort experiencing homelessness in the country. There was a lot of reflection on this from the students and his sat with us since then.
We shared a simple meal of soup and slept on cardboard throughout the night. Every step of the way saw some reflection on the reality of rough sleepers; not always without a roof over their head. We also tried to put ourselves into their shoes and reserve judgement. The next morning it was evident that it would be very tough to do a full day of work or even apply for a job after the experience of the night before, multiplied by dozens.
We made toiletry packs for those in need and raised funds to support SVDP Homeless Services. All in all, it was a successful evening which highlighted many things and brought is together in community, offering us more than many.
William T | Social Justice Prefect
St Patrick’s College Immersion Program
This holiday break sees two groups of Year 11 students and staff travelling to take part in our two key immersions. For the first two weeks of the holidays a group will travel to Rabaul, Papua New Guinea to spend time with our friends at the Edmund Rice Life Training Centre. Then in the last week of the holidays into the first week of term, another group will experience the hospitality of our hosts at St Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre in Alice Springs.
Both groups take us with them as they learn and grow in understanding, connecting with the Majority World and First Nations Australia respectively. They will open their hearts and minds and build friendships to last. We ask for your prayers while they are away and promise to share their experiences with you next term.
The groups will walk alongside our partners in the hope of a better world for all.
St Joan of Arc, Haberfield
Please note the following information from the Parish of St Joan of Arc at Haberfield.
Sacrament of Confirmation: Preparation Classes Beginning Soon
Confirmation is the final of the three Sacraments of Initiation. If you are a teenager or an adult parishioner who has not yet received this sacrament, we invite you to take this beautiful step in your faith journey.
The parish is offering a preparation program tailored for both teens and adults.
How to Register: To join the program, please email the parish office or MMC pastoral@stjoanofarc.org.au with your full name, address, and contact details.
Pastoral Care: Supporting Those Experiencing Loneliness
God created us to be social beings, meant to thrive in the fellowship of our brothers and sisters. Yet, finding that connection doesn’t always come easily, and financial well-being is no guarantee of companionship.
We want our parish to be a place where everyone feels seen and valued. What can we offer to better support those experiencing loneliness?
Share Your Ideas: Please share your thoughts and suggestions with Father Thomas—either in person or via email at thomas.kurunthanam@sydneycatholic.org. Your input can help us build a more connected community.
Magnifica Humanitas: A New Encyclical by Pope Leo XIV
The latest papal encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, begins with a thoughtful overview of historical Catholic social teaching. Pope Leo XIV then shifts focus to the twenty first century, highlighting the vital importance of human freedom, the dignity of human expression through labour, and the preservation of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the Pope reflects on the necessity of a Christ-centred approach to computing advancements and their benefits to society.
Join a Reflection Group If you would like to read and reflect on this encyclical in a shared group setting, the parish is happy to organise a study group.
Interested? Please email the parish office to express your interest.
SOL Service Opportunity
We hope lots of boys get engaged in some kind of service in the holidays. There is certainly a lot going on from a College perspective. Below is some information from Kids Giving Back that may interest some of you. (Again, this is not an expectation, just one possibility.)
KIDS GIVING BACK
HELPING HANDS - PARRAMATTA
JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 9, 10, 16 and 17 July
A full-day holiday program for Ages 8+ (year 3) or over. Get ready for a fun-filled day where creativity meets kindness! Kids will cook up delicious meals, bake sweet treats, and craft essential care packs - all to be donated to support the amazing work of the Salvation Army Community in Parramatta.
It’s a hands-on, feel-good experience where kids will learn the power of giving back and leave feeling proud of what they’ve created for others. It also counts towards service hours including Duke of Ed!
Program Details:
- Time: 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- Cost: $100 per child
- Location: Salvation Army Community Centre, Level 1, 426 Church Street, North Parramatta NSW 2150
- Ages: 8-14 years (Minimum age: 8)
You can register using this link - Kids Giving Back
Gillian Daley
Director of Identity