Religious Education News

This month, four of our Year 10 students – Lila, Lily, Sophia and Ellie, proudly represented MSCW at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) 2025.

ACYF brought together thousands of young people from across Australia to celebrate and deepen their Catholic faith. Our students had the opportunity to connect with peers from other schools, engage in meaningful conversations with Sisters, Nuns, Priests, Bishops and Archbishops and participate in inspiring plenary sessions – with acting, guest speakers, song and dance worship. They also explored the vibrant expo activities, which showcased the diversity and richness of Catholic life.

A highlight of the festival was the pilgrimage walk alongside the World Youth Day Cross, a powerful reminder of unity and shared faith. Through their participation, Lila, Lily, Sophia and Ellie embodied the spirit of MSCW by embracing faith, community and leadership.

We commend them for their enthusiasm and commitment and look forward to seeing how their experiences at ACYF will continue to inspire our school community.

Let’s hear from Sophia S about her experience at ACYF 2025:

“On the 29th of November to the 3rd of December, Ms Marshall, Ellie, Lila, Lily and I travelled across states to Melbourne to attend the Australian Catholic Youth festival.

Throughout the 3 days we joined over 6,000 other youth to come together to connect, deepen their relationship with Jesus and feel and be empowered by the faith. We endured long days of walking with Christ throughout the city streets of Melbourne through intimate connections with Christ. One of the highlights was experiencing Mass, Reconciliation, and Adoration in large faith-filled communities, strengthening our relationship with Christ as one.

As well as listening to inspiring speakers and praising the Lord through music and songs, it deepened my love and thankfulness for Christ in renewing me with a sense of hope, especially as this jubilee year of hope for the Catholic Church.

Getting to know so many people was another highlight of my trip, getting to know their stories and connecting with those all across Australia as well as throughout Sydney Catholic schools.

This experience made me very grateful for my faith in my everyday life, that we have a father like Jesus to turn to and give us comfort even in the darkest days of our lives. It has helped me grow in my faith and the love of Jesus and carrying that sense of faith, joy, and community back into our everyday lives at school.

I strongly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to go to Sydney in 2028 to go as it is a life-changing opportunity that you won’t regret!”