Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson

Religious Education

As we step into the middle of the term, we recognise the busyness of College life. Once again, a lot is occurring at the College and we have much to look forward to also. It is in the busyness of my life I am reminded of the words of St Francis de Sales who said, “Every Christian needs a half-hour of prayer each day, except when they are busy. Then they need an hour.” This obviously is not to be taken literally but as a sure reminder that prayer is essential to living healthy, ordered lives. There is nothing more important that our relationship with God. We can love Him through our daily work, through loving our children, vacuuming the house, filing the document or setting a budget. This is the only way we can pray as St Paul says, unceasingly.

Evangelisation Day

On the 13th August Mrs Biala took a group of Year 7 Students to Mount St Joseph’s College, Milperra for Sydney Catholic Schools’ annual Evangelisation Day. This day consisted of bringing students from a range of schools across the diocese to listen, share and learn and to grow deeper in faith and embrace their heritage as Christians.

Feast of the Assumption Mass

On the 15th August OLM celebrated the Feast of the Assumption at a Mass at St Aloysius Church with Fr James McCarthy. The Feast of the Assumption focuses on Mary being taken to Heaven body and soul. Tradition tells us that after John left Jerusalem, he brought Mary with him as per Jesus’ instructions on the Cross. Mary lived in Ephesus Turkey until her death around 40-45 AD. The Assumption helps us consider that we too will be taken to Heaven and there receive glorified bodies (Phillipians 3:21). Mary’s body was already perfect as she was born without original sin. Our students represented the College brilliantly and were affirmed by members of the public who came to join us. It was a wonderful experience to celebrate this day with St Aloysius Primary school and St Aloysius College.

Mercy Day Mass

Our Community had its biggest celebration of the year with the Mercy Day Mass on Friday 22 August. This Mass honours 90 years of our College and the hard work and dedication of countless teachers, students and families over the decades. The Feast of Our Lady of Mercy dates back to the 13th Century Spain where Our Lady of Mercy appeared to St Peter Nolasco, instructing him to create an order whose purpose would be to ransom Christians from Muslims who were entering the country through the south during the crusade period. The title has been used for centuries before, even by St Augustine of Hippo in the 5th Century. While she brought about mercy and help to the many people of Spain at the time, she continues to strengthen and support us today. Catherine McAuley chose to make their feast day the same as Our Lady of Mercy (August 24), to remember the many Mercies Mary offers to those who trust in her Son. 

Eco Justice Day

The Sisters of Mercy held an Eco Justice day at Monte St Angelo College, North Sydney on the 27th August. Ms Biala took a group of students there for the day to discuss issues around ecology with a focus on water conservation. Water is a resource and like all resources are unequally distributed around the world. It is important for us, who have access to clean water to consider the needs of those who struggle with access to this basic human right. I thank the students who represented our College on the day. Their contributions and attitude towards the day demonstrated the best attitudes that form a Mercy girl.

Sydney Synod 2026

Archbishop Fisher has called for a Sydney Synod in 2026 in response to Holy Spirit-inspired longings from Sydney Catholics for more prayerful liturgies, more Christ-centred communities, and a more mission-oriented Church.

In preparation for the Synod, the Archbishop invites you to share your positive, faithful, and practical ideas on how we can become a more prayerful, Christ-centred and missionary people by attending any of the three regional consultations later in the year. There will be a meeting held in Menai for those wishing to connect and contribute to the Synod.

Where: Holy Family, Menai – 1D Anzac Road Menai NSW 2234

When: Saturday, 30 August 2025 between 9 AM – 12 PM

Register at: trybooking.com/DAVZB 

Conflict in the Holy Land presentation by Brother Peter Bray, fsc EdD

St Aloysius Social Justice group invites you to come and hear Br Peter Bray, share his insights and understandings of the conflict in the Holy Land after serving 15 years as Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, the only Catholic University in the Holy Land. This seminar is a response to the Australian Bishop’s 2024-5 Social Justice Statement “Truth and Peace. A gospel word in a violent world”.

Use the QR code to download a copy of the Statement and reflect on a pathway to peace through truth-telling, dialogue and practical initiatives.

St Joseph’s Camino Men’s Overnight Pilgrimage Walk

Saturday 6th September 2025, 7:00pm-10:00pm

The Sutherland Shire will witness something extraordinary on 5th September as a thousand Catholic men walk on the Camino of St Joseph, an overnight pilgrimage from Como to Cronulla. Mass is planned for 8:00am at St Aloysius Parish for these men on Saturday 6th of September.

We are looking for volunteers who may be able to assist in serving these men breakfast after mass on Saturday 6th of September. We will meet at 7:00am to prepare breakfast and serve the men when mass is over. If you are available please contact Ian Anderson on ian.anderson@syd.catholic.edu.au. It would be wonderful for these men to see a group of our students waiting for them on the other end of something so special. This event will count towards four ministry hours.

Religious Education Coordinator – Ian Anderson