Mission & Identity
- National Reconciliation Week
- St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
- PraiseFest in the Chatswood Parish on Friday 7 June
- Mercy College & St Pius X College Youth Mass Sunday 23 June
National Reconciliation Week
True Reconciliation in Australia is about repairing the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. This relationship has been tested due to detrimental government policies of the past, including policies of Protectionism and Assimilation. At St Pius we ask our young men to be ambassadors of reconciliation, to set the standard for other Australians in their willingness to work towards a more unified nation. One practical example of this already in place is that all representatives, from sporting teams to immersion and international tours, wear a St Pius jersey or shirt embossed with our very own aboriginal artwork depicting the St Pius X College community.
For 2019 we have dedicated the theme of Unity in Community to all that we do. True unity involves unity amongst all members of our community, including our indigenous community. To be an authentic Catholic School in the tradition of Edmund Rice, we are to be an inclusive community. Inclusivity means that we are open to the story of those who are part of our community. To provide the indigenous story for the students of St Pius, we invited the Walangari and Damiru dancers to provide an informative and entertaining presentation of song, dance and conversation. We all learnt the story behind many dances and about how these dances connect a person to their “country” and story of creation. Walangari explained the meaning behind the name digeridoo, as well as the nature of the body art that dancers wear.
As a practical sign of reconciliation, representatives from each group that has represented or will represent the College were called out to be painted (being painted under their eyes depicted that their eyes are open to new possibilities and stories) and to participate in a cultural dance. The presentation was well received by everyone and was a truly educational experience for all present.
Mr Nathan Mulheron - Assistant Principal Mission & Identity
Launch of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
During Weeks 7 to 9 this term the College will be participating in the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, centred on the donation of suitable goods to aid those who are less fortunate. According to surveys run by the City of Sydney and the Sydney Morning Herald, there has been as much as a 90% increase in the number of homeless people aged 17-24.
How can we help? St Vincent de Paul is asking for donations of new, as new and pre-loved goods for distribution to its Vinnies Society Centres, and to Vinnies-run initiatives like the Matthew Talbot Hostel. Donations needed by St Vincent de Paul are as follows:
- Men’s women’s and children’s clothing and accessories;
- Homewares, including blankets, sheets and pillowcases;
- Children's toys
- Books, CDs and DVDs
With the winter season well and truly coming upon us, it would be well worth having a conversation at home about helping those in need (and de-cluttering bedrooms in the process!) Should you have any queries regarding the above, please do not hesitate to email me at RBalboa@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Mr Ryan Balboa - Social Justice Coordinator
Chatswood Parish PraiseFest - Friday 7 June
Every few months the Catholic Youth for Broken Bay holds PraiseFest events which include an evening sausage sizzle, quality praise and worship music performed at a professional level and a significant Gospel message proclaimed in testimony.
The next event will be held on Friday 7 June 2019 from 6 - 9pm hosted here in our very own Chatswood Parish, at Our Lady of Dolours. Genevieve Bryant, an Australian Christian singer/songwriter will be performing well-known contemporary Australian Gospel music.
This event is open to students in Years 9 - 12 at the College, and may attract young adults up to the age of 30. The permission form below contains options for after-school supervision from 4.00 - 6.00pm and an option for those attending the event only.
The message from Catholic Youth Broken Bay sums up what to expect from the evening:
"Don't miss your chance to engage in vibrant Praise & Worship and listen to amazing and inspiring stories. The night kicks off at 6pm with our PRAISEFEST Festival, with fun activities, free food, and great company! But be sure to stick around because the night will end with a kickin’ Praise Party you will not wanna miss! So be there, invite your friends and prepare to have an unbelievable evening!"
Mercy College & St Pius X College Youth Mass
Students from St Pius X College and Mercy College are invited to attend the Youth Mass on Sunday evening 23 June at OLD Church. The details are:
- Date: Sunday 23 June
- Mass: Youth Mass
- Time: 5:30pm
- BBQ and Social Activities: 6:30 – 8:00pm
If you would like to be involved in the ministries for the Mass such as reader, music, offertory procession, Eucharistic Minister etc. you will need to arrive between 4:30pm and 5pm. Further details can be found in the flyer below. Please email Mr Adrian Brannan if you will be attending or have any questions.
Mr Adrian Brannan - Youth Ministry Coordinator
Phone: 0414 826 326 or email: abrannan@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au