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Faith and Mission

Indigenous Culture

‘Warami Mittigar’ – which means “Hello friends... welcome!” in the local Darug language.

A New Tradition at St Luke’s: The Message Stick

At St Luke’s, we are proud to begin a new tradition that honours culture, leadership, and community. This year, for the very first time, a Message Stick will be passed on to our senior Indigenous students at graduation.

 

What is a Message Stick?

For thousands of years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have used message sticks as a form of communication between Nations. Each stick is unique, often decorated with symbols and artwork that carry meaning and stories. A message stick is far more than a piece of wood – it is a symbol of connection, responsibility, and continuity. It carries messages across time, linking the past with the present and the future.

 

The St Luke’s Message Stick

Our Message Stick was handcrafted by Uncle Roger, one of our Uncles from Kinchella Boys Home – a place that holds a painful history, but also one of incredible strength and resilience. He created this message stick especially for St Luke’s, gifting us a tangible reminder of culture and resilience.

The artwork surrounding it tells its own story:

  • The fire spirit represents the unrest of the earth in turmoil.
  • The scattered dots symbolise the cycles of life, death, and renewal.
  • The uneven shapes remind us the world is out of balance, yet can be restored.
  • The rising lines mark the footsteps of people walking Country.
  • The leafless trees point to the damage to creation and the urgent call to care for our environment.

This artwork carries a message of both truth and hope—that while challenges remain, future generations can create change and restore balance.

 

A Living Tradition at St Luke’s

From this year onward, the Message Stick will become a living tradition at St Luke’s. At the end of every year, it will be passed on by our Year 12 Indigenous students to the next group of senior Indigenous students.

In doing so, it will:

  • Mark the past – honouring the footsteps of our Elders and the initiatives already built.
  • Celebrate the present – recognising the leadership and cultural pride alive in our school today.
  • Look to the future – entrusting our Indigenous senior students to continue this journey, grow these initiatives, and leave their own mark for generations to come.

This new tradition ensures that Aboriginal culture, knowledge, and responsibility will remain at the heart of who we are as a college community.

 

We congratulate our Indigenous Year 12 students who carry this responsibility in 2025, and we look forward to seeing this tradition grow year after year.

 

Faith and Formation

 

Liturgy

Father’s Day Liturgy

On Monday, 8th September, the learning community of St Luke’s came together to celebrate and honour the special role of fathers and father figures in our lives. Students had the opportunity to acknowledge their fathers’ love, guidance, and care, and to reflect on the blessings they bring each day. Families were also invited to contemplate the boundless love of God, shared through the parable of the Prodigal Son. As part of the celebration, a group of students from across the college shared heartfelt words dedicated to their fathers. The liturgy concluded with students offering a blessing to their fathers and father figures through the song Blessing for Fathers by Andrew Chinn.

  

  

 

 

 

Stage 3: Celebrating St Carlo Acutis and Fr Riley 

On Wednesday, 10th September, all Stage 3 classes gathered to recognise and celebrate the lives of two patrons after whom their classrooms are named. Students were reminded that St Carlo Acutis was a teenager of their own age, who shared many of the same interests and passions, yet held a special and enduring love for Christ. Father Riley, on the other hand, dedicated his life to offering a helping hand to those in need. Following the recent canonisation of St Carlo Acutis, students reflected on his way of life and the choices he made to draw closer to God.

 

 

Formation

Lifted Go - Launch of the Social Justice Statement

A group of students from Years 8 and 9 represented St Luke’s at the recent Lifted GO event, joining students from across the Parramatta Diocese.

 

The gathering marked the official launch of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ 2025–26 Social Justice Statement: Signs of Hope on the Edge. This year’s statement focuses on the urgent call to serve and walk alongside people experiencing homelessness and mental ill-health.

 

Students had the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers, participate in workshops, and connect with other young people committed to living out the mission of the Gospel through justice and service. The event challenged our students to reflect on how, as a community, we can be signs of hope for those on the margins of society.

 

This experience will continue to inspire our Social Justice initiatives at St Luke’s, reminding us that faith in action means serving with compassion, dignity, and hope.

YCS News:

This week, the 2025 Young Christian Students (YCS) Movement concluded the term with joy through a democratic election. Outgoing leaders marked a blessed moment by handing over their roles of President and Vice President to new and well-deserving candidates.

We warmly congratulate Salma Bah (Year 10), elected as President, and Anshdeep Thind (Year 11), elected as Vice President for 2026. This occasion is a significant milestone for YCS, symbolising not only the continuation of leadership but also the growth of our community in faith, service, and student voice.

We look forward with excitement to seeing our new leaders live out the YCS motto “See, Judge, Act” with wisdom, courage, and compassion as they inspire and guide us into the year ahead.

 

 

 

From the outgoing President of YCS - Sudeep Velagapudi: 

Serving as the 2024/25 YCS President has been an incredible experience. It has given me the opportunity to bring together the visions of young leaders within our school community, and I cannot fully express the gratitude I feel toward the YCS students for placing their trust in me throughout this journey.

 

This role has been truly formative, allowing me to grow as a leader through the practice of servant leadership. The YCS methodology of See, Judge, Act has shaped me deeply, equipping me with values and skills in advocacy—communication, negotiation, strategic thinking, collaboration, persistence, and more. These skills have guided me not only in my work with YCS but also in other leadership roles, helping me serve effectively and in unity with those around me.

I have also been privileged to witness the growth of passionate YCS members, each stepping into their potential as leaders of the future. Together, we have achieved so much this past year—Environmental Day, ROL/WAs (Review of Life/Worker Action), podcast projects, and more. These initiatives have truly established YCS as a movement of the students, for the students, by the students.

 

It is with great joy that I now announce Salma Bah as the 2025/26 YCS President and Anshdeep Thind as the 2025/26 YCS Vice President. I have full faith in their leadership and look forward to seeing the wonderful contributions they will make to our community.

 

To our new leaders, my advice is this: celebrate the small wins along the way, for they matter just as much as the bigger goals. Remember that no one begins as a perfect leader—it is through accepting responsibility and responding with courage that leadership is truly cultivated.

 

And so, with a grateful heart, I sign off for the last time:

In Solidarity & To The Future,

Sudeep Velagapudi

2024/25 YCS President (St Luke's Catholic College)

 

From the Outgoing Vice President of YCS – Lara Derjani

My years in YCS have been shaped by three guiding actions: seeing the collective needs of others, acting with humility to empower and make a difference, and judging through a theological lens to help build a better world for future generations.

 

I first joined YCS in Year 7 with the hope of growing closer to God. From the beginning, the call to “See, Judge, Act” inspired me to serve others. I continued until Year 9, when the pressures of study pulled me away. But in Year 12, I felt a clear calling from God to return, and this led me to the privilege of serving as Vice President. I stepped into this role with a deep belief in the healing power of empathy. As Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed” (Matthew 13:31–32)—even the smallest seeds of faith can grow into something great.

 

If I could offer advice to future leaders, it would be this: don’t only guide others, but also plant seeds of faith and compassion through your example. My goal as a YCS leader was always to inspire others to step beyond their comfort zones, just as I once needed encouragement when I doubted my own ability to lead.

 

At the heart of my leadership is a desire to contribute to the Catholic Mission by nurturing faith, theological understanding, and spiritual maturity in young people. I have always hoped to be a light for others, allowing God’s love to shine through my actions—whether in times of strength or in moments of vulnerability. My greatest wish has been to serve others with love and compassion, wholeheartedly following the example of Jesus, who gave everything in the name of love. Though I am just one person, I believe even one act of great love can move mountains.

 

I will never forget my YCS family. My favourite memories aren’t only the big events, but also the small moments—laughing in meetings, cheering one another on, and finding joy even in challenges. Those everyday moments made YCS feel like home. I will always remember when a student said, “I had the best day today,” or when a younger member told me they looked up to me. These simple words showed me that small acts of care can make a lasting difference.

 

As I end my journey in YCS, my final words to those who may step up as leaders are these: always trust in God’s plan, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will look after itself.” Walk in the footsteps of Jesus, share the Good News, and never hide the light of your gifts. You are capable of changing the world.

 

Kind regards,

Lara Derjani

2024/25 YCS Vice President (St Luke's Catholic College)

 

Social Outreach

At St Luke’s, our Social Justice initiatives are grounded in our Catholic faith. We are guided by the belief that :

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him.” – Genesis 1:27.This reminds us of the dignity and worth of every person and calls us to act with compassion and justice, especially for those on the margins of society.

 

Supporting Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS)

JRS Donations

A group of Year 12 students, led by Luke Buere, recently conducted a two-week food donation drive to support Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS). The food donated will directly assist those who are struggling, providing practical help in their daily lives.

 

JRS believes that journeying with refugees is the most important way to express solidarity and concern for their wellbeing. In a world where refugees are increasingly rejected, demonised, and denied their fundamental human rights, JRS offers welcome, protection, and justice. Through accompaniment, JRS becomes a sign of hope and a pathway to healing, reminding refugees that—even in the most desperate of situations—they are not forgotten and they are not alone.

 

Serving people in need: JRS offers dignity and hope to people in challenging or vulnerable situations through key programs including emergency assistance and a food bank.  This is where the Year 12 students idenbtified a need and worked together to help others.

 

Thanks to the leadership of our students and the generosity of our community, this initiative has made a real difference to those in need, while also helping us live out our call to serve with compassion and justice.

 

Pyjama Day – Supporting St Vincent de Paul

On Friday, August 29, our whole school community came together for Pyjama Day. Students from all year groups swapped their uniforms for their cosiest pyjamas, dressing gowns, and slippers – all in support of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleep Out.

 

The day was more than just fun and comfort. It was a reminder of the important work St Vincent de Paul does to raise awareness and provide support for those experiencing homelessness in our community. By wearing pyjamas, we symbolically stood in solidarity with those who don’t always have the security of a warm bed or safe place to sleep.

 

Funds raised will go directly towards the Winter Sleep Out initiative, helping St Vincent de Paul continue their mission to provide shelter, resources, and hope to vulnerable people in need.

 

A big thank you to all students, families, and staff for your generosity and spirit. Together, we are not only raising awareness but also making a real difference.

School of Leadership Afternoon Experience

In the afternoon of August 29, approximately 40 students from the School of Leadership gathered to dive more deeply into the realities of homelessness. Guided by some of our Year 12 leaders, students participated in a series of thought-provoking activities designed to challenge their perceptions and build empathy.

 

One key activity required students to create a place to sleep using only limited resources, reflecting the difficult choices many people face every day when they do not have stable housing. Through teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, students were able to experience a small glimpse of the challenges faced by those without a safe and secure place to call home.

 

This experience encouraged our student leaders to not only raise awareness but to also consider the role they can play in advocating for justice and dignity for all people.

 

 

 

Vinnie’s Van – August 30

On Friday, August 30, three of our staff members and five of our senior students took the Vinnie’s Van out into the Mt Druitt and Parramatta areas to support those experiencing hardship.

 

The team provided food, warm drinks, and companionship to individuals and families in need. This experience gave our students the opportunity to see firsthand the importance of service and compassion, while also living out our College’s mission of faith in action.

 

We are proud of the generosity and commitment shown by our students and staff, and we thank the St Vincent de Paul Society for allowing us to partner in this meaningful work.

 

 

WASTE FREE WEDNESDAYS - Social Justice Initiative

In alignment with Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home, we have introduced ‘Waste Free Wednesdays’. This initiative encourages students to bring lunches free from single-use plastics, fostering environmental stewardship and reflecting our Catholic values.

Each Wednesday, we’re encouraging all students and staff to bring waste-free lunches to help care for our environment.

  • That means: Reusable containers Refillable drink bottles Nude food (no wrappers or single-use plastics)

Let’s work together to reduce waste and protect God’s creation.Every small action makes a big difference! 

Think Green. Act Clean. Be Waste-Free! 

Thank you for your support in making this initiative a success! 

 

From the St Luke’s Parish Community

 

Parish Office Update

We welcome Gerald “Ged” Oblea as our full-time Parish Secretary who started on 1st September 2025. The Parish Office hours will be Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:30pm. Until we move into the new building, Ged will continue working from the demountable marked “Parish Office”. Please contact the parish office if you need any assistance:

Email: marsdenpark@parracatholic.org

Ph: (02) 8530 0173 or Mobile: 0422 724 160

 

CALLING ALL CREATIVE KIDS 

We invite all children to join the art competition for the opening of St Luke’s Church Building. This is a special chance to share your creativity and be part of a historic day for our parish. The winning artwork will be printed on a bookmark to keep as a memory for everyone.

Theme: St Luke

Closing date: 19th September

Please note that all student K-8 are completing a design in class, please hand to teachers for submission.

Your artwork will help make this day one to remember for years to come.

 

Year 12 HSC Blessing Mass

Our parish is holding a special blessing for all Year 12 HSC students as they prepare to begin their exams on 16 October. We invite students and their families to join us at the 10am Mass at the performance hall on Sunday, 12 October. Together, we will pray for God’s guidance, calm, and confidence for each student in the weeks ahead. This is a beautiful opportunity for our young people to be strengthened by the prayers of their parish family.