Religious Education News

Honouring the Immaculate Heart of Mary This August

Why do Catholics hold Our Lady in such high esteem?

Every community has its heroes and heroines; people whose lives embody an ideal and inspire us to greater heights. The Church, too, looks up to men and women who are outstanding witnesses to the gospel. Of all the saints, prophets and holy people who have gone before us in faith, Catholics honour Mary, Jesus’ mother, in a special way because of her unique role in the story of salvation. As the mother of Jesus, she was the first to bear the Gospel to the world. Mary’s life is the most perfect example we have of a life lived under the grace of the Holy Spirit. 

This August, our Catholic Church tradition dedicates the month to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This devotion invites us to look at Mary’s heart as a model of pure love, deep faith, and total trust in God. By honouring her heart, her humanity, we are reminded to love others just as she did.

August is filled with special feast days that bring this devotion to life. On 15 August, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, marking the beautiful moment Mary was taken body and soul into heaven. Closer to home, we also celebrate the feast of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, on 8 August. Both of these incredible women showed us what it means to say "yes" to God by serving those in need.

Our students have a wonderful opportunity to follow in Mary’s footsteps this month through real acts of charity. We are encouraging everyone to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal Sleepout on Friday 28th of August here at school. By raising funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness, our school community can turn faith into action. Let us use this month to stretch our hearts, just like Mary, and bring warmth to those who need it most. Information about the sleepout will be provided through Compass shortly and there is also a raffle with incredible prizes to be drawn on the night of the sleepout. Tickets are available from Mr May at school or through the Vinnies store in Rusden St. 

Year Updates

Year 7 are learning about the different ways in which we can support the dignity of our fellow human beings. The Church teaches that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, and in Jesus and the saints we have so many great examples of how we should treat each other. 

Our Year 8 unit of work focuses on the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church - Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation. We’re also learning about the symbols and signs that are used in our faith to represent what we believe in. For example, do you know why the outline of a fish was often used to represent the name of Jesus, or the difference between a cross and a crucifix? 

In Year 9, our students are exploring the Sacraments of Healing -  Reconciliation and Anointing of the sick. Many people are surprised to learn that from the very earliest days of the Church, the link between spiritual and physical health was clearly understood. It is through these sacraments that our relationship with God and others is healed, which is of critical importance to our spiritual, or mental, health. 

Year 10’s unit of work this term focuses on the key Catholic Social Teachings which underpin our understanding of and approach towards social justice issues. Just as Christ fought for social justice in his time, we too are called to stand up for those who are powerless in our world. This unit ties in perfectly with our Vinnies Winter Appeal sleepout, as well as our support for Catechism lessons in local primary schools. 

Year 11 will soon be heading off to Coffs Harbour for their leadership retreat. We are fortunate to be able to draw on the services of Lasallian Mission, maintaining our connection with our De La Salle heritage. During this retreat our students will work as a group on refining their vision for the school and what they want their legacy to be. 

Finally, our Year 12 students are fast approaching crunch time! The Studies of Religion trial examinations will take place in the second week of the examination block. Throughout this time we are working together to refine knowledge and skills, so that students are able to respond to the questions to the best of their ability. Like the Canaanite woman who begged Jesus for help, we pray that our Year 12 students be given the gift of perseverance at this time and into the HSC period, so that they are not discouraged when the task seems too hard and the light at the end of the tunnel seems dim indeed. 

Mr Andrew May

Religious Education Coordinator

Ignite Conference

A group of staff and students, including two of our own, recently attended the Ignite Catholic Youth Conference! It was an incredible experience packed with live music, engaging talks, fun games, and inspiring workshops that deepened faith and built lasting friendships.

Interested in experiencing faith? Join us in the chapel every Wednesday at lunchtime for Wednesdays with God—featuring music, hopeful scriptures, a prayer intention box, and an "Ask Me Anything" about faith and life!

Mr Miguel Oringo

Youth Minister

Our Founders - St Angela Merici and St John Baptiste De La Salle

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish

Keeping in touch with what is happening in the Cathedral Parish is easy through their website and Facebook pages.

With such a difficult year and a half it has been harder for parishioner's to give to the parish through the plates, particularly when the church is closed as it is at present. The Parish account details are available on the Parish bulletin. 

Cathedral Parish Website

Information about our founders

La Salle Website

Ursuline Sisters Website