Religious Education Coordinator's Page

Year 6 Confirmation

Congratulations to the 39 students in Year 6 who were Confirmed during Mass over the last few weeks. As a sign of their committment to their faith, Bishop Michael sent them all a very special Bible to commemorate this special Sacrament. I was honoured to present these Bibles to them.

Questions about the Mass

If you’re new to Catholic worship, some parts of the Mass might feel unfamiliar. Here are a few things people often wonder about: 

* Why do people genuflect before entering the pew? It’s a sign of reverence to Jesus, whom we believe is truly present in the tabernacle — the small box behind the altar that holds consecrated hosts. 

* Why all the standing, sitting, and kneeling? Catholics pray with body and spirit. We stand to pray and hear the Gospel, sit to listen, and kneel during the most sacred moments of the Mass. 

* Why so many set prayers and responses? The Mass follows an ancient structure, much of it drawn from Scripture. The repetition helps unite us in prayer and brings us deeper over time. 

* Why are there silent moments? Silence helps us reflect, pray, and become attentive to God. These quiet moments are a vital part of Catholic worship. 

* What is the Sign of Peace about? It’s a moment when we offer one another a sign of Christ’s peace, usually with a bow of the head or a handshake. Both are OK. It’s not just a friendly gesture; it expresses our unity in Christ and our desire to be at peace with one another before receiving Communion. 

* What happens during Communion? Catholics believe Jesus is truly present in the consecrated bread and wine. Only prepared Catholics receive Communion. Others are welcome to come forward for a blessing (arms crossed), or remain seated in prayer. If you're a Catholic returning after a long time away, we invite you to go to Confession before receiving Communion again. 

* Why the Sign of the Cross? It’s an ancient Christian gesture of prayer, invoking the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and reminding us of Jesus’ Cross. 

* Do I have to give money during the collection? Giving is voluntary but we invite you to generously support our mission. There are two collections: the first supports our priests and the second supports our mission. You can also donate via card at the foyer terminal.   * Can I take part if I’m not Catholic? Yes — please join in prayers and singing as you feel comfortable. While Communion is for Catholics, your presence is deeply valued. 

* Besides Mass, what can I join to explore faith more deeply? ALPHA is a great informal experience where you can make friends, enjoy hospitality, and ask questions without pressure. 

McAuley Day Celebrations

On Thursday 25th of September we will be having our annual ‘McAuley Day’ celebrations. We have a whole day full of fun activities planned!

YOU'RE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR A MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR CATHERINE MCAULEY 

 at 9:30AM AT KENNA HALL (Please note change of venue)

From 11:30am come and watch the amazing talents of our students in the finals of “McAuley’s Got Talent” (also in Kenna Hall)!!

 Please stay for a shared picnic lunch in the playground (BYO) afterwards followed by the ‘Golden Rope’ award for a friendly tug-o-war between the classes. 

HitFM will be doing a live broadcast from the school between 1pm and 3pm. Make sure you tune into 105.9 to hear about the fun activities from the day! 

*ALL students are to wear their sport uniform on this day*

Mission Week Activities

A tradition at Catherine McAuley, during the first two weeks of Term 4, is to participate in ‘Mission Week’, where we spend time learning about and raising funds for Catholic Mission. 

There are three main parts to Mission week:

Head - Through the use of educational materials from Catholic Mission we learn about others in our world and the conditions in which they live. This year the focus is on Zambia.

Heart - Through prayer and Liturgy we pray for others and recognise how we can build God’s Kingdom here on earth.

Hands - We participate in activities to deepen our awareness of the needs of others and raise money to help. 

During Week 1 and 2 next term there will be a range of activities for the students to participate in, both in the classroom and the playground.

We ask that each child donates $5 to participate in the Mission Week activities during these two weeks which will include a sausage sizzle lunch on Thursday 16th October.

Donations can be sent to your child’s classroom teacher or the front office. 

Monday 13th October - Staff Development Day - Pupil Free Day!

Tuesday 14th October - First day back at school  - Learning about Zambia in our classrooms.

Wednesday 15th October - Crazy Sock Day!!!

Students will wear crazy socks with their uniform. The students could wear brightly coloured socks, odd socks, long socks, something that you already have at home. 

Thursday 16th October- Deny and Donate food at Recess time 

We ask that students donate their recess, which needs to be non-perishable foods/foods in packets for children in Orange who are truly hungry. This food will be donated to the Vinnies Food Van and Missionaries of Charity to be given to local children in need.  

Students will eat their fruito at 10am and a free sausage sizzle will be provided for all children on this day. (Please note: The Sausage Sizzle will be given to the children before lunch time so if you would like to send a packed lunch, or pay for a lunch order, this is still ok on this day!)

Friday 17th October - Colour Explosion Day!!

Children are able to wear bright and colourful casual clothes today. Please ensure your child has a hat and enclosed shoes. 

Friday 24th October - Mission Fun Day!!!

Children will be participating in activities in the playground run by their classes. 

Thank you for helping to support Catholic Mission!