Family Educator

SISTINE CHAPEL REVELATIONS - PARENT EXCURSION

On June 26, Friday, we had our parent excursion to the Sistine Chapel Exhibition. We had 5 mums and 2 grandmums join Father Allan and I. 

This being my third visit to the exhibition, I was intent on observing those who were coming for the first time. I am so happy to receive their feedback below –

Thank you for organising the parent excursion to the Sistine Chapel. I visited the actual one many years ago and this experience was just full of wonder and awe. The artistry never ceases to amaze me and the narration was deeply thought-provoking. The day was also a wonderful opportunity to connect with other St. Aidan’s parents and grandparents, Fr. Allan and our family educator, Ma. Sharing the experience together sparked great conversation over lunch and it was wonderful to feel such a sense of community. Thank you again for providing such a memorable and uplifting excursion. – LUCIA

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Sistine Chapel Immersive Exhibition last Friday. It brought back many wonderful memories visiting the Sistine Chapel twenty years ago. I was just as amazed this time. I found the exhibition incredibly informative, particularly the displays that explored the history of the chapel and Michaelangelo’s remarkable work. The day also provided a wonderful opportunity to meet another grandmother from St. Aidan’s, Amelia and we connected instantly. It was lovely to meet other mothers from the school community and to spend time with Fr. Allan, Ma and my daughter, Lucia. A big thank you for organising this special outing. It was a very memorable day of learning, reflection and friendship. – FILOMENA

We attended the excursion to the Sistine Chapel organised for parents of St. Aidan’s. It was our first time to experience the Sistine Chapel. Mum and I were both deeply moved by the narration of the Creation of the Earth and the life of Jesus. It was powerful, emotional and beautifully told. We appreciated the experience so much that we brought our relatives visiting from overseas the very next day so that they could share in the same sense of wonder and connection. – JENNIFER & AMELIA

It has been a privilege to be invited to experience the Sistine Chapel together with a group of parents from the school. Together, we rediscovered the beauty of the Church and the story behind it… from Creation which shows God’s love for us to every event in scripture pertaining to the story of humanity but what really struck me is that it is not just a painting or an animated story but reflecting on it… it became alive to myself and I think for each one of us… to appreciate the beauty of life and all its difficulties and the struggles to keep God’s will. However, the beauty and love of God demonstrated in the painting gives us assurance that each of us will experience in our life that Christ was crucified and resurrected for us… and He will come again in the Last Judgement and His love and mercy will lead us to his Kingdom… so “Do Not Be Afraid”. God Loves Us All. – FR. ALLAN

Meanwhile, as soon as the lights dimmed and the presentation started, I heard the parents exclaim “Oh Wow!” and we allowed ourselves to be transported back in time from the very beginning. 

I cannot express enough how this exhibit is a reminder that “we are creatures of contradiction…” and that “hope awaits those who choose to live a selfless life. Heaven and hell aren’t just places but a state of being made by the choices we make and the lives we live.” 

The Sistine Chapel exhibition “was never meant to be a gallery but a sacred space designed to see ourselves”. Don’t miss out! The exhibit is still on until July 19. 

Take advantage of this promo during the school holidays.

To book tickets please visit https://sistinechapelsydney.com.au/

Choose Family/ Concession Admission which includes 2 adults and 2 children.

Don’t forget to apply the discount code above to avail of the discount. 

WOMEN'S MOVIE NIGHT

The Family Educators of Botany-Randwick invites all mums to come together for a special screening of Holy Days, a feel-good comedy that is worth watching for its heartwarming, gentle and inspiring story. 

Seats are limited so hurry and book your tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1610967?qr=true&qr=true 

CALLED TO BE HOLY

I am happy to share that we have successfully launched Called to be Holy, a St. Aidan's Initiative for students in Years 4 to 6. Check out what the first students who experienced it had to say –

Through St. Carlo Acutis, the first Millennial saint, we aim to have our students deepen their understanding about the eucharist. They also learn about adoration and are inspired by Carlo's love for God. 

To see all the reflections of our students, these will all be available in our Called to be Holy padlet – https://padlet.com/mabecina/called-to-be-holy-fhzxn9gfi0x45xf9

We shall continue with this initiative in Term 3 and 4 and in preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress in 2028. 

In 2028, Australia will host the 54th International Eucharistic Congress – a global gathering of Catholics that celebrates and deepens devotion to the Eucharist. This will mark exactly 100 years since the city last hosted the event in 1928. Pope Leo XIV is confirmed to attend the congress in 2028. 

Whilst our Called to be Holy initiative aims to help our students, children and families are also invited to spend time in silence in front of the blessed sacrament. 

We are taught that we are called to be saints and whilst it is hard to be holy, we get a little help – 

St. Carlo Acutis said “In Adoration, you get Jesus ‘Sun-Tan’ which means you become more of a saint”.

Weekly adoration is offered at Holy Family Parish every Friday at 8.30am and finishes just before the 9.10am mass. 

YEAR 12 HSC SUPPORT PACKS

As students in Year 12 prepare for their HSC exams, primary schools in the area also prepare support packs for them which is always received with so much gratitude by the students. 

These packs will contain a thoughtful card prepared by students and their families, prayer cards, treats and a gift provided by Sydney Catholic Schools. 

This year we are assigned one homeroom from Marcellin College Randwick. 

I am looking for 23 families to volunteer.

If you are interested to partake in this wonderful initiative, please sign up on this google form: https://forms.gle/9LwheA4HPJi8WSpL8 

CLASS PRAYER

On June 22, Kindy had their class prayer and they shared what they have been learning in class about God’s Creation. It was particularly wonderful to see the children dance and hear them sing to Saddleback Kids’ Creation Song which summarizes the story of creation. 

Thank you and God Bless!

Kind regards,

Ma Becina

Family Educator