Religious Education Coordinator

Mr Colm McCaughan

Term 2 was another wonderful Term in the RE Faculty as we go from strength to strength in spreading the Good News.

Week 3 saw over 300 mothers and mother figures attend our annual Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast, with the video message put together by the students reflecting on how much their mums have done for them and how they want to commit to being better sons!

Year 11 had a super engaging Reflection Day with Chris Doyle of Karis Ministries, looking at the theme of Discipleship in Life. Year 8 also had their Reflection Day with the Sydney Youth Mission Team, young people who have given up a year of their lives to serve God and the young people of the Archdiocese. This was a powerful day examining the issue of self image and how we should realise that our worth comes from being children of God, not how successful we are in the world.

Our largest event of Term 2 was the feast of Marist founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, on June 6. We were delighted to host the two current biggest names in Sydney Catholic Education: Bishop Danny Meagher, Vicar for Education; and Mr Peter Turner, Interim Director of Sydney Catholic Schools. The whole College Mass was a delightful affair, with the boys rising to the occasion and singing both the hymns and College song proudly. Our guests commented on what a wonderful feel and spirit there was in the hall.

Immediately following Champagnat Day, our staff had their annual Spirituality Day. We met at Mary Mackillop Place in North Sydney for some input from the Mission Team from Sydney Catholic Schools surrounding the theme of ‘Hope.’ We were so grateful the weather held for us and we were able to do a pilgrimage walk across the Harbour Bridge to St Patrick’s in Wynyard, site of the first Marist school in Sydney. This was a wonderful time for staff to pause and reflect on the school year so far and take stock of where we are at in our spiritual journeys. 

In the Curriculum department, our Year 7s have been examining Sacred Scripture and its place in our Church and lives. Year 8 looked at what it means to be ‘Alive in Christ’ through living out the Sacraments of Initiation. Year 9 spent the majority of the term examining the different types of Biblical literature whilst Year 10 worked towards an oral presentation on how Catholic Social Teaching is lived out in the world today.

As the students learn more about their faith, we are delighted by the variety of opportunities we have established this term to allow them to experience it more. We have begun the Rite of Christian Initiation for a few of our students who wish to receive their sacraments, and have also begun an Apologetics group for the boys who want to learn how to speak about their faith with those who may not believe. 

Long may these groups continue! Onwards to Term 3!