SCS’ Pope Francis Award 

On Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 June two of our Year 7 students, Mila and Abia, attended the SCS’ Pope Francis Award retreat, themed ‘Chosen’. The Pope Francis Award provides students with a unique faith-based volunteering opportunity and is offered to Year 7 students. It requires Year 7 students to complete acts of service throughout the year in their school, their community and their parish. It is an opportunity for the girls to really get involved within the wider community and further develop their relationship with God. It allows the girls to truly be disciples of Christ. 

The retreat began with a Mass, where students from multiple schools came together to share in the Eucharist. They were also given the opportunity to take part in adoration and Reconciliation. Students were then given ideas as to how they can serve their community and get involved within their parish. 

Mila and Abia took part in the Rosary as well as learnt about the importance of living out the Gospel values in their everyday lives. They unpacked the idea of ‘chosen’ and how they are all chosen by God to try and make a difference in the world; through the Pope Francis Award Program they are able to do this. 

Finally the girls brainstormed ideas about what they can do to try and connect with the Parishes within the area. They had the idea of ‘Food for the Lord’, which would take place on a Sunday after morning Mass, as a way to share a meal and talk to other members of the parish as well as raise money for the local parishes. 

It was great to see how reverent and respectful the girls were on the retreat. They had a great time, made lots of friends and truly understood the meaning of being chosen by God to participate in this Program.

Congratulations girls and we wish you all the best as you continue to provide services to the parish and school communities! 

Ms Claudia Carbone, Youth Ministry Coordinator