Faith, Justice and Formation

SPC Leads the Way in Advocacy – Doco in a Day

Last term, a few classes of Year 10 students were invited to take part in a new initiative run by the Edmund Rice Foundation Australia (ERFA), Doco in a Day. Those students who took up the invitation made up five teams of three or four and were tasked with making a short three-minute documentary showcasing the impact of the fundraising efforts and work of ERFA in Africa. The organisation is the charitable arm of Edmund Rice Ministries, who enable the programs of the Christian Brothers and their ministries to operate in various places around the globe, most notably in Kenya and South Africa. The prize for the winning team – a trip to East Africa in 2026!

The student teams had a six-hour window to make a documentary in one day with the footage and resources provided to them by ERFA. Their goal was to showcase a story, while learning about the plight of others who yearn for an education, while we often take ours for granted.

Advocacy is about amplifying the voices of those who are often not heard, especially with regard to justice issues, spreading the message and awakening others to take action for a better world for all. Each of our teams did just this, and I commend them all for their passion and effort.

The results of the competition were released last week. There were 86 entries across 23 schools, and one of our teams won! The team of Antony Di Gori, Luca Serratore and Noah Young took us on a journey, telling a story of hope about a young woman, Faith.

Judging was done by Sal Balharrie — a prolific Aussie writer, producer and director; and Archie Chew — a skilled videographer and editor. Some of their comments about this doco include: “What this film does really well is set out a 'promise' - Faith the girl who dared to dream - from an audience point of view, the film is taking us on a journey - it's a personal story, one of joy and hope in the face of adversity. We see Faith's resilience.

What's also exciting is that the film makers have leant into the documentary footage in a natural way - there is a freshness and a lightness of touch. This is exciting film making. The team has crafted a story with great dignity.”

This is such an extraordinary effort from the team who deserve to be congratulated, but it is also about us opening our eyes to what is possible when we help organisations like ERFA. We can make a difference in the lives of others when we give of ourselves.

I urge you to watch the winning documentary - St Patrick's College Strathfield | UNT | Doco in a Day Entry 2025.

You can also see our other entries (also at the link below), and those of the other schools here - Watch the docos and show your support - Doco in a Day.

If you are moved in any way to support the work of educating those on the margins, helping to provide opportunities to improve communities, then please contribute to our St Patrick’s College Fundraising page for ERFA and their work - Letting Their Light Shine: St Patrick’s College Strathfield Students Take on Doco in a Day - Doco in a Day.

I also thank Mrs Lombardo who worked with the groups on the day and ensured all docos were uploaded and connected, after learning about the parameters and guidelines for the day. She is a great advocate for a liberating education.

Kudos Gents! What an honour! Inaugural winners of Doco in a Day!

A Prayer to End the Tragedy in Gaza

In an act of Interreligious Dialogue Caritas Internationalis (https://www.caritas.org/) has called on all Christians, Jews and Muslims of good will to pray the Psalm of King David, Psalm 130, to help put an end to the horrors we are witnessing in Gaza. This is what religion is for compassion and justice through action. See the prayer below. Use as a family or on your own.

We are reminded of the call from the Prophet Micah, who lived in an era of injustice just as we do, that God only requires the following from us:

‘To act justly’ – we must do justice, we must restore the damaged and work for the community. Rabbi Abraham Heschel said this, “An act of injustice is condemned, not because the law is broken, but because a person has been hurt.” Let us remember this in all our days.
‘Love mercy’ – put forgiveness at the centre of your thoughts and pursue what is good and not what is evil. We could also say to ‘love steadfast devotion.’
‘Walk humbly with your God’ – instead of ‘humbly’, the ancient Hebrew would say ‘walk mindfully with your God’; it is about being ready to walk with God and to live our spiritual lives mindfully; prayers are nothing without purpose and understanding as we send them to God.

As people of faith in the one true God, we have hope that our united prayers will see an end to the suffering, for we are God’s eyes, hands, mouth, and ears in this world. We call to mind what is needed and seek God’s help for a greater good.

Donations Needed for Fiji

We have been asked by our partners on Taveuni in Fiji for donations of Rugby Union kit and equipment. If anyone has any connections to donate this to us before the end of term, so our Immersion group can take them over in the holidays, could you email me on gillian.daley@spc.nsw.edu.au. They would particularly like a set of jerseys if at all possible.

Thanks for your consideration.

Gillian Daley

Director of Identity