Mission and Identity

The Year of Jubilee

The concept of "Jubilee" has its origins in the Book of Leviticus (chapter 25) as a special year of reconciliation, pilgrimage, and coming home. While reflecting on this, Pope Francis designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope", and designated a number of Jubilee Days throughout 2025 to recognise and celebrate different groups of people and various ministries in the Church.

The Archdiocese of Sydney has  consecrated a number of places that will support prayer and pilgrimage. There are 12 Jubilee Churches:

• St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney
• St Patrick’s, Church Hill
• The Shrine of St Mary of the Cross, North Sydney
• The Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Waterloo
• St Brigid’s, Coogee
• Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Randwick
• The Shrine of St Anne, Bondi
• All Saints, Liverpool
• Holy Spirit, Carnes Hill
• St Joachim’s, Lidcombe
• St Brigid’s, Marrickville
• St Cathrine Laboure, Gymea

To obtain the Jubilee plenary indulgence, either during, before or within a short time after your visit to a Pilgrim Place, you are required to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, be refreshed by Holy Communion and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father with at least an Our Father and a Hail Mary.

The Pope has stated that those who:

“Pilgrimage is of course a fundamental element of every Jubilee event. Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life.” - Pope Francis

Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise forever.

Amen.

Lenten Companion 2025

The Parish Renewal Team from the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney has created a Lenten Companion to support the faithful of Sydney as they meditate upon the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. While some people may use the resource within the context of a parish Lenten group, others may use it for their own individual or family prayer. Gospel Reflections have been provided by Bishop Richard Umbers, Christina Guzman, Lawrence Qummou, Helen Wagner, Dr Paul Morrissey, Sister Cecilia Joseph, OP, and Fr Julian Wellspring.

You can download the Lenten Companion 2025 here.

Brothers in Christ Student Mission and Identity Team

Fortnightly, students have the opportunity to attend a gathering where they are able to learn more about the faith with the support of Fr Steve and Br Antonio. This year we will be focusing on Bible studies, reflections on particular liturgical seasons and how students can remain faithful in the contemporary context which is hostile to tradition. Students will have the opportunity to ask deeper questions about their faith as they develop in their intellectual maturity. All students are welcome to participate in our lunchtime gatherings and we look forward to the fruits of this group.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Youth Program 2025

Holy Cross College will be offering a Sacramental Programme called the “Rite of Christian Initiation for Youths” which is inviting students who would like to understand more about the Catholic faith or would like to receive their Sacraments to do so. The course will be run through a series of classes in Term 1 and 2 following the reception of the Sacraments in Term 3. Families are also welcome to express their interest in a Sacramental Program for Adults which is called the “Rite for Christian Initiation of Adults.” Adults will complete the classes for RCIA with the Parish of St Charles Borromeo or through their local Parish. A letter was sent to parents with links to the expression of interest for students and adults. If you would like more information regarding the Sacramental Program, please feel free to contact Ms Christina Breda, Religious Education Coordinator at the College.  Our student information session will be held on the Wednesday 12th of March at 5:30pm. We look forward to providing this opportunity for students, parents and staff of the College.

Youth Ministry Update

Project Compassion

On Wednesday the 5th of March the College will be officially launching the campaign for Project Compassion 2025. The Campaign will take place for the entirety of the term and focuses on the theme of “Unite against Poverty”.  The College will participate in Project Compassion by raising funds through a number of fundraising initiatives with the total goal of our fundraising for 2025 being $3500. Events being held will be communicated to students and parents through the Compass Portal. Your support in this initiative is greatly appreciated.

As tradition, our first Fundraising event will be held on the 4th of March where Pancakes will be sold for Shrove Tuesday. Students will be able to purchase a pancake with various toppings for $2 and can refer to the flyer posted on compass for specific details. Please note that this is a cash only event. We look forward to seeing the support on the day and look forward to other fundraisers being held throughout the term.

Together we can make a difference.

Miss Ashleigh Fayad

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Liturgy and Service

Opening School Mass

On Wednesday, 19th February, the College celebrated the start of the school year with our Opening Mass, presided by Fr Greg and co-celebrated by Fr Steve. This year is an exciting year for our Church, as it is the Jubilee Year, celebrated every 25 years and is intended to be marked as a time to re-establish our relationship with God, to one another, and with all of creation.

 

We also reflect this year on how "we may always seek what is good, true and beautiful." This is the action theme for Sydney Catholic Schools and our Opening School Mass readings allowed us to reflect on how we may be "witnesses" of Christ, who bring about hope to others by being the hands and feet of Christ.

 

During this mass, we also commissioned our new staff for 2025 and welcome them into our Holy Cross College community. 

Altar Servers

If any student is interested in training to become an Altar Server during school Masses, Fr Steve will be running training. A Google Form for expressions of interest will be sent out in the coming weeks.

  

Ash Wednesday

On Wednesday, 5th of March, the Lenten Season begins with Ash Wednesday. The College will be holding a whole school liturgy during Period 2. The regular 8am Mass will still be going ahead in the morning, with all parents, parishioners and staff welcome to attend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vinnies Ryde Service - Holidays & Week 2

Throughout the holidays and in Week 2 of Term 1, students in Year 11 and 12 were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend a Vinnies Night Patrol shift. Holy Cross is now servicing 2 shifts a month - one in the Ryde-Gladesville area, and one in the city. Thank you to those students and staff who attended over the holidays.

 

Students who weren't previously involved but would like to be are encouraged to see Ms Marshall.

 

Ms Jacqui Marshall

Liturgy Coordinator

 

 

 

"There are many people who spend their lives in the service of others. ... When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love!" - Pope Francis

Yours in Christ,

Ms Christina Breda

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR