Faith and Mission

Indigenous Culture

‘Warami Mittigar’ – which means “Hello friends... welcome!” in the local Darug language.

Celebrating Culture and Connection at St Luke’s

In Term 2, we were fortunate to have the Indigenous students of St Luke’s work with Jason and Trevor from Dalmarri to enhance our Yarning Circle with vibrant and meaningful artwork. This project also included the creation of two additional large-scale pieces that beautifully reflect Indigenous culture, connection to Country, and the shared stories of our community.

These artworks have now been proudly installed in key locations within the school, where they can be appreciated by students, staff, and visitors. We are currently in the process of developing artist statements for each piece, which will help explain the symbolism, stories, and cultural significance embedded in the designs.

This initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and cultural learning, celebrating the voices and contributions of our First Nations students.

For the remainder of the term, we will be looking to launch our School Totem and create an educational tool to teach all members of our community how a Yarning Circle is used correctly. This will assist in deepening understanding, fostering respect, and ensuring the Yarning Circle is used in a culturally appropriate and meaningful way by all.

 

 

Faith and Formation

 

Formation

Term 3 has begun with a joyful spirit and a deepening of our faith journey as a school community. We were blessed to welcome Catholic worship singer Gen Bryant, who led a powerful and uplifting session of praise and worship. Her visit marked a special moment as we prepare our hearts for the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope, reminding us of our call to walk together in faith, joy, and hope.

 

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference - Melbourne

On Friday, August 15, our School of Entrepreneurs students will be participating in a Hot Dog Day to support Zoe, a Year 10 student, who has been selected to attend the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne later this year.

 

Hosted by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, ACYF is a national gathering that celebrates the Catholic faith and empowers young people in their leadership and spiritual development. Zoe will be proudly representing St Luke’s Catholic College at this significant event.

 

To assist with fundraising, students from the School of Entrepreneurs are invited to pre-purchase hot dogs for lunch on the day.

Details:

  • Hot Dogs: $4 each
  • Order via the QKR App
  • Orders close at 9:00 am on Monday, August 11
  • Hot dogs will be served at lunch on Friday, August 15

This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to support one of our students as she steps into a national faith and leadership experience. 

 

Liturgy

This term also marks the beginning of Class Masses for the School of Entrepreneurs, starting with Year 10 Teal and Year 9 Navy. These Masses offer a sacred opportunity for students to gather in smaller communities, reflect on their personal and shared faith journeys, and celebrate the Eucharist in a more intimate setting. We look forward to journeying with each class throughout the term as we continue to grow in faith, connection, and purpose.

On August 8 the School of Foundations will be celebrating mass with Fr Gayan for the Feast of Mary Mackillop.  This day commemorates the life and legacy of Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint, who was known for her work in education, particularly for the poor and marginalized. 

On August 15 the School of Leadership will be celebrating mass with Fr Gayan for the Feast of the Assumption.  This feast commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It's a significant Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics, marking Mary's passing into eternal life. 

 

 

 

Social Outreach

Jeans for Genes Day

Did you know that 1 in 20 children are born with a genetic disease or birth defect?That’s one child in every classroom. You may know someone affected by conditions like cystic fibrosis, cancer, or one of over 6,000 genetic disorders.

Yesterday, St Luke’s participated in Jeans for Genes Day. Students wore their favourite jeans in support of the many children born with a genetic condition or birth defect.

By participating, we’re helping to raise vital funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute, which is leading groundbreaking research right here in Australia to find treatments and cures.

More than just a fundraising day, Jeans for Genes is also an opportunity for our students to grow in empathy, develop leadership, and see the real-world impact of science and innovation in action.

At St Luke’s, our Social Justice initiatives are grounded in our Catholic faith. We are guided by the belief that :

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him.” – Genesis 1:27.This reminds us of the dignity and worth of every person and calls us to act with compassion and justice, especially for those on the margins of society.

We are still accepting donations and will share the total contribution from our St Luke’s community once it is finalised.

Thank you for your support and generosity!

 

Australian Red Cross

St Luke’s has partnered with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to provide members of our community the opportunity to donate blood. From August 12-16th the mobile van will be parked at Marsden Park Bunnings to accept donations. Members of our community aged 18+ can join the St Luke’s team and donate blood on these dates. This opportunity will be available every three months, as this is the maximum frequency that you can donate. For more information or to join the St Luke’s team, please email Martyn Ellis at mellis3@parra.catholic.edu.au

 

 

 

 

WASTE FREE WEDNESDAYS - Social Justice Initiative

In alignment with Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home, we have introduced ‘Waste Free Wednesdays’. This initiative encourages students to bring lunches free from single-use plastics, fostering environmental stewardship and reflecting our Catholic values.

Each Wednesday, we’re encouraging all students and staff to bring waste-free lunches to help care for our environment.

  • That means: Reusable containers Refillable drink bottles Nude food (no wrappers or single-use plastics)

Let’s work together to reduce waste and protect God’s creation.Every small action makes a big difference! 

Think Green. Act Clean. Be Waste-Free! 

Thank you for your support in making this initiative a success! 

 

 

 

From the St Luke’s Parish Community

 

St Luke’s Youth Night

 

HEY LEGENDS!

 

You’re invited to an epic St Luke’s Youth Night — and trust us, you don’t wanna miss this one

 

Friday 29th  August 2025

 6:30PM – Mass at The Demountable   (next to the Parish Office)

 7:00PM – 9:00PM – Snacks, games, and good vibes!

 

Whether you’re new, been before, or just curious — come hang out with us. Bring your friends, bring your energy, and get ready for a night of faith, food, and fun.

 

Snacks? Sorted.

Games? Ready.

Music? Absolutely

Good people? Always.

 

No boring stuff. Just chill hangs, and a place to belong.

We can’t wait to see you there!

 

The St Luke’s Youth Team

 

 

Supporting Our Aspiring Catholics – OCIA at St Luke’s Parish

 

The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) – formerly known as RCIA – will soon begin at St Luke’s Parish. This journey of faith is for those who are exploring the Catholic Church and may be feeling called to join our community.

We encourage our school community to be attentive to students, parents, or staff who may be aspiring to become Catholic but are unsure of how to begin. Sometimes, a kind word or gentle guidance can make all the difference.

If you know someone who is seeking or would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, please invite them to contact our parish office:Email: marsdenpark@parracatholic.orgPhone: (02) 8530 0173 or Mobile: 0422 724 160

Let’s continue to be a welcoming and supportive community of faith.

 

Contact

Should you need to contact the St Luke’s Parish Community, the contact details follow here:

Fr Gayan Thamel: gayan.thamel@parracatholic.org

Parish Priest

 

Ged Oblea: marsdenpark@parracatholic.org

Administrative Assistant

Ph: 02 8530 0173 Mobile: 0422 724 160

 

Website: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.org.au/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlukesmarsdenpark