From the Religious Coordinator

Mr Colm McCaughan
RE Coordinator

Term 3 is always the busiest period in the RE Curriculum Faculty, with the two major exam blocks, the Trial HSC and the Year 11 Preliminary Examinations, dominating the landscape and often flooding the team with essays. Studies of Religion remains a content‑heavy course, requiring students not only to recall beliefs and practices across various faith traditions, but also to analyse how these religions continue to shape the daily lives of adherents. The boys worked diligently throughout the term, performed admirably and now look toward the HSC with hopes of further improvement.

Amidst the academic demands, the term also offered moments of genuine evangelisation. Thirteen boys received Sacraments, including a record nine Baptisms. Those baptised on 20 August at St Kevin’s parish by Fr Greg Morgan (Parish Priest of St Charles, Ryde) were: Hung Thang Pham (12), Kaiden Yiu (12), Asher Saini (10), Ross Zhang (10), Kai Guo (10), Ethan Yi (10), Charlie Cox (9), Liam Cheng (8), and Alfie Cox (7). Ryan Shen (10), Kieran Lee (10), Jack Le Fevre (8) and Samuel Ryan (7) also received the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation at this combined Mass with Holy Cross College, Ryde and Marist Sisters College, Woolwich. As REC, witnessing moments like these truly captures the heart of the role.

Year 12’s Reflection Day on 19 August centred on the theme “A Future Full of Hope.”  The boys were invited to look back on their journey at the College and recognise how far they have come. They were encouraged to lean on their faith as a source of hope, something that will guide them as they continue striving to be Marist Men: Good Christians and Good Citizens.

This reflection prepared them beautifully for their Graduation Mass and Ceremony on 22 September, where they were sent forth into the world, equipped not only with an outstanding education but also with a quiet, steady faith that will bring hope to themselves and others. The most moving moment of the Mass, for me, is always the Candle Ceremony, led this year by College Captain William Della Vedova. It stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds of friendship and community formed at the College and of the call to carry the light of Christ into the world.

It was also a significant term for Mr Daniel Viana, our Youth Ministry Coordinator, who led more than fifty Year 10 students to the 10:10 Conference at Good Samaritan Catholic College, Hinchinbrook. The boys engaged in meaningful discussions about right relationship with God and with one another and many described the day as both informative and life‑shaping. He also organised the Marist Connect night which was an excellent way for our senior boys to bond with other Marist schools and grow in their faith.

In all, it has been a deeply rewarding term. May God continue to bless our efforts.