FROM THE LEADER OF LEARNING - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Mission and Identity
Pray for Peace in the World
Lord, in this Jubilee Year of Hope,
we turn to you with hearts full of longing.
Lord of peace, bringer of hope,
Pour out your grace upon all people of the world—no matter
their creed or nationality.
Those burdened by conflict,
those yearning for justice,
those clinging to hope in the face of despair.
May your peace take root in every heart,
and your hope rises like dawn over every land.
Amen
Canonisation of our First Millennial Saint - Carlo Acutis
Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian teenager who died at the age of fifteen in 2006, is set to be canonised on 7 September, 2025. Known as "God's Influencer," Carlo lived a life centered on the Eucharist, which he called his "highway to heaven". He attended Mass daily and spent time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
Carlo was a normal, simple, and spontaneous teenager who loved nature, played soccer, and had many friends. He possessed a remarkable gift for attracting others and was seen as an example, particularly for his use of modern communication tools. A self-taught computer programmer, he used his skills to spread the Gospel, communicate values, and share beauty online. He organised an international exhibition on Eucharistic miracles, utilising it for catechesis and evangelisation.
His life serves as a model for young people, encouraging them to prioritise God and serve others, especially the marginalised. Carlo's heroic virtues included profound charity towards the poor, homeless, and outcasts, and a strong desire to bring people back to God. He faced his final illness with serenity, offering his sufferings for the Pope and the Church, and expressing a desire to go straight to Heaven. His upcoming canonisation in early September, celebrates a young man of our time who was captivated by Christ and became a beacon of light, demonstrating that faith does not distance us from life but immerses us more deeply in it.
Here is a short article on his relics titled “Young teen’s relics a reminder for pilgrims that holiness “is not impossible.”
Reception of Sacraments Mass
We would like to warmly welcome you to witness the reception of Sacraments by our 2025 RCIY Students on Thursday, 25 September 2025.
The students who will be receiving the sacraments are:
Max Hadfield
Aiden King
Nicholas Andino
Harry Mercer
Oscar Welfare
Mitchell Scott
Kalel Treminio
Charlie Sing
Max Beattie
Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Danny Meagher at St Charles Borromeo at 6pm. Further information can be found in the invitation attached.
All are welcome to attend.
Please RSVP for the event by completing the following form: https://forms.gle/vVw6ehPbfXUVv5KX9
Here are some articles for light reading
Delany Fundraising Launch
Holy Cross College this term will be supporting the Delany Foundation as part of our Social Justice plan. The Delany Foundation is an organisation that was established by the Patrician Brothers in order to improve the human and spiritual condition of young people in need, especially in places of Patrician mission in developing countries.
Today the works of the Patrician Brothers can be seen in countries such as Kenya, Ghana and Papua New Guinea. Every year Holy Cross partakes in fundraising for the Delany Foundation and it’s an initiative deeply rooted in our spiritual charism of giving to the poor.
This is an exciting time for all to get involved and give back to a cause so close to our hearts. Please keep an eye out for these initiatives in the coming weeks.
Thank you again for your ongoing support.
Year 7/8/9 Evangelisation Day
On Wednesday, 13 August students in years 7,8 and 9 accompanied by Miss Ashley Galea travelled to Mount Saint Joseph Milperra to take part in the Sydney Catholic Schools Evangelisation Day. Students participated in music ministry, explored the system theme of Hope and joined together as a faith based community in adoration and prayer. The day was enjoyed by all students who attended who particularly enjoyed the opportunity for fellowship.
Year 7 & 8 Deanery Youth Afternoon Term 3
On Friday, 15 August students in Years 7 and 8 were presented with another opportunity to engage in their faith and attend the 7 & 8 Deanery Youth Afternoon for Term 3. This event was hosted by Marist College Eastwood where the students enjoyed a sausage sizzle bbq before delving into the topic of being created in the image and likeness of God under the theme of ‘Masterpiece in Motion’. Students had the opportunity to hear a talk from Father Daniel Drum and again engage in meaningful fellowship. The Deanery event for Term 4 will be aimed at students in year 9 & 10. Please keep your eyes peeled for more information.
Ashleigh Boulus
YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR
Liturgy and Service
Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Friday, 15 August we celebrated the feast of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Year 8 attended Mass and we had a number of local parishioners and families attend. This is one of the highest feasts of the Church year. A solemnity is a celebration of the greatest importance and we recall that Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was taken body and soul into heaven. This truth is not only about Mary’s glory but also our hope: what God did for Mary, He desires for each of us. May her faith, obedience and love inspire us to walk with Christ more closely in our mission every day.
Father’s Day Mass
We invite all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and spiritual fathers to join us for Mass as we give thanks to God for the gift of fatherhood. Mass will be held on Thursday, 4 September at 7:30am. Fathers play a unique and irreplaceable role in our lives and in the Church. They are called to be images of God the Father's love, strength, and guidance, nurturing faith and virtue in their families. During Mass, we will offer a special blessing for all fathers, asking for God's continued grace and wisdom upon them. Let us come together as a community to honor and pray for these men who reflect God's provident care in our world.
A barbeque breakfast will be hosted after the Mass. Please RSVP via the following link: https://compasstix.com/e/dwxqgyr0tx
Jacqui Marshall
LITURGY COORDINATOR
Yours in Christ,
Christina Breda
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR