Religious Education Coordinator
Mr Colm McCaughan
Term 2 was another wonderful Term in the RE Department as we go from strength to strength in spreading the good news.
Week 3 saw over 300 mothers attend our annual Mothers Day Mass and Morning Tea, 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! Christian Yacou spoke brilliantly about his own mother – there were a few tears in the room!
Year 11 had a rollicking Reflection Day with Chris Doyle of Karis Ministries, looking at the theme of Discipleship in Life. Many of the boys commented that it was the most fun they’ve had at a Reflection Day in their time at Eastwood. The boys were loving how he pulled students and staff up to lead singing! Year 8 also had their Reflection Day with the SCS Mission Team supported by Sydney Catholic Youth. This was a powerful day examining the issue of being an authentic man of faith in the current age and how we should realise that our worth comes from being children of God, not how successful we are in the world. The day concluded with a powerful period of Adoration. I was so impressed by how prayerful and reverent the boys were for the entire period.
Our largest event of Term 2 was the feast of Marist founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, on 6 June. We were delighted that it was celebrated by Bishop Terry Brady, who used the occasion to bless our new altar built by Ms Erica Morse and our impressive new Marist Heart. The whole school Mass was a delightful affair, with the boys rising to the occasion and singing both the hymns and school 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 St Patrick’s Church Hill in Wynyard for an optional Mass at 8:00am, followed by a powerful testimony from Paul and Juliana Elarde about their miraculous healing at Lourdes. Br Tony Leon and David Bobkowski from Marist then led us in breaking down the Jubilee theme of Pilgrims of Hope. The staff then walked to Darling Harbour for communal lunch together, all in all, a great day!
In the Curriculum department, our Year 7’s 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 boys learn more about their faith, we are delighted that we can reintroduce the Rite of Christian Initiation for 12 boys who wish to receive their sacraments. I am grateful to Fr Dan who has led this.
Long may these groups continue! Onwards to Term 3!
Colm McCaughan
REC