Faith and Mission
Faith and Formation
Liturgy
In week 7, Stage 1 and Early Stage 1 came together as a Stage to celebrate their Term 2 liturgies. In Early Stage 1, students explored the theme of Friendship and what makes a good friend. Through the Scripture passage of the Good Samaritan, students were able to see an example of what it means to be a good friend. While Stage 1 delved deeper into how to build a deeper relationship with God through prayer, and a sense of belonging to the Church through baptism.
In week 8, Stages 3 and 4 celebrated the life of Carlo Acutis, soon to be the first modern Saint of our time. A young man who used technology to develop an understanding of Christ in the Eucharist. Students were able to reflect and develop a sense of how saints can be our role models.
In week 9, Stage 2 celebrated their Stage liturgy by exploring the themes of life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and how Jesus helps us to forgive others. Students were again able to look at the biblical passage of the Good Samaritan to understand that even when people do wrong to us, Jesus can help us forgive.
Social Outreach
This term students have participated in a variety of social justice activities.
Vinnie’s K - 10
Our Vinnies K-10 group have begun to facilitate some community building activities during recess time for some of our younger members of St. Luke’s.
We continue our monthly donations of sandwiches for the daily Vinnies Van service. Our year 7-12 students are always diligent and generous with their time and efforts to support this outreach opportunity.
Catholic Healthcare Student Visit
Week 7 saw a few of our year 10 students volunteering their time to visit residents at the Catholic HealthCare aged care facility in Norwest. Students participated in a fast game of bingo assisting residents with marking or calling out numbers.
Vinnie’s Years 5 - 8 Activities Evening
In Week 6 some students from years 5 - 8 came together to learn about what St Vincent de Paul do within our community and to gain an insight into the plight of the Homeless. Students were involved in activities in the Marketplace, feeling the cold of winter, activities included making a shelter out of cardboard that would provide some warmth, reflecting on their lives and writing gratitude notes for all that we have, and some team activities to keep warm. A big thank you to Althea and Isaiah Dela Cruz of years 11 and 12 for planning and facilitating the event, and thank you to Mrs Paz and Ms Bear for supporting the event.
Vinnie’s Years 9 - 12 Activities Evening and Sleep Out
This Frdiay evening we will be hosting our Vinnies Winter Sleepout event for students in years 9-12 students, to help raise funds to support those experiencing homelessness.
This will see students participating in activities in the Marketplace designed for students to reflect on those who are sleeping rough and some if the issues they confront on a daily basis, especially through winter. Students in year 9 and 10 will leave at approximately 10 pm whilst students in Year 11 and 12 will be sleeping out for the night to experience a small taste of Homelessness. By doing so we hope to raise a greater awareness of those on the margins in our communities and to hold out a helping hand, be the hands of Jesus in our community.
Unfortunately, due to the current financial difficulties, Vinnie’s is finding that more people need support during this time.
Formation:
Year 11 Retreat
As part of the St Luke’s learning journey Year 11 students are provided the opportunity to retreat to reflect on their journey thus far. Following please find a reflection on the retreat by one of our Year 11 student:
Recently, our St Luke’s year 11 Cohort was able to have the opportunity to attend an overnight retreat (13th to 14th of June) at St Benedict XVI Retreat Centre at Grose Vale. This retreat was designed to provide students with the opportunity to reflect on their growth, personal development and connection with God.
As a Year 11 student I believe that this retreat was not only able to benefit students through being relieved from the pressure of our studies but it also allowed us to appreciate our hard work and resilience during this school year.
God played a central part in allowing our cohort to grow close significantly as the acts of prayer, liturgy and group work allowed students to strengthen their bonds with others. Such activities included creating and praying as one, notes of gratitude and encouragement, and team building exercises.
The scenic and peaceful nature of Benedict XVI Retreat Centre created a calming and relaxing environment which hugely contributed to student interactions being significantly easier as the element of judgement was eradicated through the constant reminder of love and harmony between students during prayer.
Many students were harboured with the pressure and burnout of the transition from year 10 to our senior years of studies, it is something that not many students knew how to discuss and understand which is what made the support of teachers fundamental in our retreat. Our Teachers at St Luke’s are by far some of the most talented and special mentors I have had at any school. Their dedication to support, uplift and guide their students to become the best version of themselves is beyond anything words can compensate for.
Not only as a student was it beneficial but as a teenager this retreat was an event that would forever change me for the better. The memories and experiences created during this trip are something that will always be very dear to my heart. We were able to not only improve mentally and spiritually but were able to overcome social and emotional barriers and reconcile with peers many believed they would never get along with, not only that it strengthened our connection with our friends and teachers.
The Retreat at St Benedict’s XVI Retreat Centre was a beautiful and special experience for the Year 11 cohort as it holistically guided us to flourish into improved individuals through many ways such as singing or trivia sessions, playing on the field, praying and eating together this retreat bonded our year like no other and looking back at our time I hope to see this tradition continued through coming years in this school.
Jasmeen Kaur - Year 11 Student
YCS @ St Luke’s: Transforming Faith into Action
Newly Elected YCS Leadership Team:
We are happy to announce that the newly elected YCS leadership team members have been assigned different portfolios in order to enhance their motto, ‘See-Judge-Act’. The details of their portfolios are:
Shama Shanemougham (Yr 11) - President
Sudeep Velagapudi (Year 10) - Vice President
Mishwa Patel (Yr 11) - Secretary
Anshdeep Thind (Yr 10) -Treasurer
Shreya Pratap (Yr 11) - Director Of Communications (Internal & External)
Atharv Rathore (Yr 10) - Director Of Marketing
Zara Benipal (Yr 10) - Editor In Chief (Podcast Leader)
Trishala Sharma (Yr 10) - Editor In Chief (Podcast Leader)
Rosary Tima (Yr 12) - Editor In Chief (Podcast Leader)
Sandra Zahringer (Yr 7) - YCS Leader
Niyanth Chukka (Yr 10) - YCS Leader
NAIDOC Week Preparation:
On 25th June 2024, YCS students from St Luke’s were fortunate enough to receive guidance from Jarara leaders. Ayoola Shogunle, Taleishah Councillor, Jieni Tekei - Petinos and Alicia Smith generously offered their time and expertise to enlighten and empower our students on activities that are culturally sensitive and significant. Thanks to Lauaki, the YCS Youth Engagement Officer for initiating this relationship.
From the
Faith and Formation Team
From the Faith Community
Dinner Dance Tickets now on sale
Sacramental Program
Just a reminder that the Sacramental Program for Reconciliation will start early in Term 3
Please Note - For Children who are already Baptised and aged 7 or above - Parents to attend each session.
Preparation Dates (6pm – 7pm in the Hub at St Luke’s):
Prep 1 - Wednesday, August 7
Prep 2 - Wednesday, August 21
Prep 3 – Wednesday, August 28
Sacrament received: TBC but most likely Wednesday, September 4 (6pm to 8pm)
If you have not already registered your child/ren for this sacrament please complete this Google Form and update the necessary paperwork including this enrolment form.