Religious Education News

The start of this term has been a hectic one, with many different events involving students across all years. In my last report, I failed to report on the success of our Winter Appeal clothing drive. Over 20 clothes baskets full of warm winter clothing, bedding and other items were generously donated by you, the members of the O’Connor community. These items were donated to the Armidale branch of the St Vincent de Paul society, to be forwarded onto needy families and individuals in our community, or sold to raise funds for the different projects Vinnies support in the local area. 

The Winter Appeal clothing drive has been a long-standing tradition of our school. Many of you may not be aware of this, but over the years thousands of items of recycled clothing have been donated to support the neediest in our community. It may not make the local TV news, but as Jesus states in the scriptures, when you give to charity, do it in secret. Thank you to the families who donated items for this appeal. 

Last Friday we held the Winter Appeal sleepout at the College. Over 30 students and staff attended this event, participating in games, movies and other activities before catching a few hour’s sleep here at school. To date, we have raised over $1500. This money will go to support the ‘Fresh Start’ program run by Armidale Vinnies, through Freeman House. This program provides rehabilitation support to people suffering drug and alcohol dependency, as well as their families who need support. 

Last Tuesday we celebrated the Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Australia’s only ‘home-grown’ saint. Year 9 students participated in the Mass and were able to reflect on the life of Mary, as well as her influence on our society today. Next Tuesday we will, as a College, celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a whole-school Mass. This is a Holy Day of Obligation, which means that all Catholics are expected to attend Mass, if they are able to. 

Thank you all for your support of the work done by the College in the Faith Formation of your children. Your generosity in supporting the various appeals conducted, such as the Winter Appeal clothes drive and sleepout, provides real help to those in our community who most need it.  If you would like to support the sleepout financially, the donation page is still open and can be accessed at the following

weblink: https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/vinnies-school-sleepouts/o-connor-catholic-college-sleepout?tab=donations or via the code below:

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