Religious Education News

One of St John Baptist De la Salle’s most famous quotes is “Preach by example, and practice before the eyes of the young what you wish them to accept.” Most of us would be familiar with this saying, or different versions of it, all encouraging us to live by example. St Angela Merici also spoke to her fellow Sisters about the importance of setting a good example for others to follow, saying “You will accomplish more by kind words and a courteous manner than by anger or sharp rebuke, which should never be used except in necessity”.

These words of wisdom from the founders of the two Religious orders that established our school are words that should be taken to heart at all times. Every member of our school community, from the youngest to the oldest, is encouraged to be a person who sets a good example for others to follow, and to speak kindly to all. Sometimes it is hard to do this, especially when we are sick or tired!

As the term draws to a close we are looking forward to celebrating our Founder’s Day next Friday. We will gather as a school community to remember the sacrifice of the Brothers and Nuns who established schools in our community, and the work of their successors who helped to merge St Ursula’s and De La Salle College Armidale into what was originally known as O’Connor Catholic High School, and we now know as O’Connor Catholic College. This year marks the 49th anniversary of the union of the two schools, meaning that next year’s Founder’s Day will be an epic one!

A key element of our Founder’s Day celebration this year will be the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal liturgy. For the last month students have been encouraged to donate items of warm winter clothing, bedding and other items that can be distributed among the needy in our local community. The response so far has been very good, with many washing baskets in our PAC classes already full, however there is always a need for more. These baskets will be presented to our local St Vincent de Paul chapter following the liturgy next Friday. Thank you to Mrs Leggat and her hard-working student volunteers who have given up their time to organise this event. 

I’d like to wish everyone a very happy and relaxing mid-year break, remembering that at all times, we are in the presence of God. 

Mr Andrew May

Religious Education Coordinator

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