Religious Education News

Mr Andrew May

As we near the midpoint of the shortest season in the Church Calendar (Advent) and the end of what has been a very busy year, it is good to be able to take the time to stop and reflect on everything that has happened in our school’s faith life.

O’Connor is a Catholic school and all that we do is steeped in the Catholic tradition. We are proudly founded upon the twin Charisms (teachings) of the Ursuline and De La Salle orders. What this means is that we place our faith at the forefront of all we say and do, and our actions are guided by the teachings of the Holy Bible, the Catholic Church and the example of saints such as Angela Merici and John Baptist De la Salle.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to overlook or forget all that we have done to bring our faith to life. This year, in addition to our regular classroom activities, we have:

Celebrated over thirty five Masses;
Participated in four paraliturgies, including the Stations of the Cross, ANZAC Day and NAIDOC liturgies, as well as sent students to represent our school at community services;
Held eight retreats, including a formation retreat for our Lasallian Youth Leaders as well as a whole day staff retreat;
Supported the St Vincent de Paul Winter and Christmas Appeals and Catholic Mission, raising over $1500 for the Winter Appeal and over $800 for Catholic Mission, as well as over 24 baskets of winter clothing and blankets in the Winter Appeal and 20 baskets of gifts and food hamper items for the Christmas Appeal;
Trained students as Lasallian Youth Leaders and Assistant Catechists, and
Provided multiple faith formation opportunities for our staff, many of whom are not Catholic but are strong supporters of the Catholic ethos of the school.

These practical actions are a very large part of what being a member of a Catholic Community is. Our faith is not just based on words, but also practical, ongoing action and commitment to work towards the betterment of our community.

In addition to all of the above, in recent weeks we have welcomed members of our Parish community into the school, celebrating weekend Masses as well as other liturgies. This arrangement will continue well into 2024, and all members of the school community are warmly encouraged to join in with our wider Armidale Parish to celebrate Christmas here at O’Connor.

I would like to wish all members of our school community a happy and holy Christmas, a joyous New Year, and a safe and relaxing holiday. I would like to finish with a reflection written by Robert Louis Stevenson, words to make us stop, and think, and wonder.

Loving Father,

Help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the song of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds,

and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate

and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift

and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing

which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.