Education mass celebrates faith in action

Happy students at CSPD Education Mass

Hundreds of students, parents and carers, teachers and clergy from Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Parramatta gathered for the 2024 Education Mass to celebrate our schools’ commitment to Faith in Action and their positive engagement in the community.

Held at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta, the Mass was led by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and celebrated the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In his inspiring Homily, Bishop Vincent said the Mass was a renewal of our commitment to follow the example of Mary in our lives and be bearers of her son Jesus’ good news.

“Blessed Virgin Mary is the prototype of the normal disciple,” Bishop Vincent said.

She exemplifies closeness with the poor, solidarity with the needy, compassion for the afflicted. Like Mary, we must be totally permeated by the Holy Spirit. We must be consumed by action for God's Kingdom – Mary is the sign of hope for humanity.

Bishop Vincent Long

In his address, Executive Director Jack de Groot reflected on his own experience of mission and service while announcing CSPD’s new Religious Education curriculum Encountering Jesus.

“When I think about why my work has always taken me to places of service, I can pinpoint two things: my education and my faith,” said Jack.

“When my parents chose to send me to a Catholic school, they knew they wanted to provide me with an excellent education grounded in Catholic tradition. They wanted me to experience opportunities to put my faith into action and to live it out within the community.”

Jack De Groot, Director of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

Jack said his hope is that the new Religious Education curriculum builds on and reflects this same intention families have for their children at our schools.

“Encountering Jesus reflects our intention for all students to have a deep encounter with the person and message of Jesus Christ, to really get to know and love Jesus. To see Him in others, and to be Him to others,” he said.

The curriculum has been endorsed by Bishop Vincent along with Australian and international Catholic theologians and educators.

“Encountering Jesus isn't so much about learning some external rules; it is to internalise the experience of encountering, knowing, loving and serving Christ,” Bishop Vincent said.

Jesuit Refugee Service stall

Following the Mass, participants were invited to explore the Mission Agency Expo. The expo highlights the work of the many expressions of faith and service that are already present in our learning communities, including Catechist teaching in local government primary schools, Eucharistic minister training, as well as advocacy and support of church agencies such as Mercy Works, St Vincent de Paul and Jesuit Refugee Services.

Happy students at CSPD Education Mass

“Today’s celebration was a significant moment in the life of our Diocese,” said Andrew Wilson, CSPD’s Head Mission. “Encountering Jesus will provide our students with an opportunity to come to know Jesus and to grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith. I am excited to work with our teachers and leaders, and to hear how our students are putting their learning into practice in their communities.”

Learn more about the Religious Education Curriculum.

View photos from this event View full gallery

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Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

08 Jan 2025
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18 Dec 2024
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Our Year 6 students had an incredible final day of school at Luna Park! 🎢🎠 The hot weather didn’t slow them down as they made the most of every ride, laugh, and memory. ☀️🎉 What a fantastic way to celebrate the end of an amazing chapter! 🌈✨ #Year6Fun #LunaParkAdventures #EndOfAnEra 💛

12 Dec 2024
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Kinder to Year 5 students will be having a Water Fun day on Tuesday 17th December. Students will rotate and participate in a range of fun water and dry activities from Water Relays, Bucket Splash, Water Dodgeball, and a Slip n Slide. WHERE: School Grounds WHEN: Tuesday 17th December 2024 TIME: Infants: 9:10 am till 11:00 am Primary: 11:40 am till 1:00 pm After the activities the students will go back into class for the rest of the day. WHAT TO WEAR: SPORTSWEAR MUFTI , with swimwear worn to school underneath. Sports shoes/thongs/sandals. WHAT TO BRING: Students are to bring their school bag to school as normal with their recess, lunch, hat and drink bottle. A dry towel, goggles (if needed), dry underwear in a clearly labelled bag (large enough to put their wet things in after water activities).