Catholic Identity

Walking Together in Reconciliation: FIRE Carrier Induction

This Wednesday 11th June, some of our Grade 5 students and staff members will be inducted as FIRE Carriers (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education).

The FIRE Carrier program is a partnership between the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria, Opening the Doors Foundation and Catholic Education Sandhurst. It aims to promote reconciliation by encouraging respect, fairness and inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our school communities.

FIRE Carriers take on a leadership role in promoting awareness of Aboriginal culture and history, and supporting reconciliation actions within the school. Their work aligns closely with our Catholic identity, particularly through the values of justice, compassion and stewardship.

We look forward to supporting our new FIRE Carriers as they help lead our school on the journey of reconciliation.

We invite you to attend the induction.

Pentecost – The Birthday of the Church

This Sunday, the Church celebrates Pentecost – one of the most important days in our liturgical calendar. You might hear it called the "Birthday of the Church" – and for good reason!

Pentecost marks the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, just as Jesus promised. The apostles were gathered in a room, unsure and afraid, when suddenly a rush of wind filled the space and tongues of fire appeared above their heads. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in different languages, allowing them to share the message of Jesus with people from many nations gathered in Jerusalem.

It was from this moment that the disciples were truly transformed – no longer hiding, but boldly going out to spread the Good News. Pentecost is when the mission of the Church began in earnest.

For us today, Pentecost is a powerful reminder that we are called to carry on that mission. The Holy Spirit is still with us – guiding, strengthening and encouraging us to live with love, courage, and faith.

At St Patrick’s, we continue to celebrate Pentecost by reflecting on how we can be people of hope and action, inspired by the Spirit to make a difference in our world.

Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Seven Catholic Social Teaching Principles

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

The CST principles which inspire our work are:

• Human Dignity
• Common Good
• Solidarity
• Subsidiarity
• Preferred Option for the Poor
• Care for Creation
• Participation

Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God.