FROM THE LEADER OF LEARNING - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Mission and Identity
Prayer for our Year 12 High School Certificate Students,
Join our community as we continue to pray for our Year 12 students as they go through their final exams.
Father God, we praise you for the gifts of education, intelligence, wisdom, and friendship. We pray that as the year comes to its final call for our year 12 students, you give them peace of heart, strength of mind, and joy in their spirits.
St Patrick, pray for us.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Youth Sacramental Mass
On Thursday 25th of September Holy Cross College had nine students receive their sacraments to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Four of those students were Baptised Catholic and one made his profession of faith from the Anglican tradition. The evening was also shared with thirteen students from Marist Eastwood and four students of the Parish who also received their sacraments. The mass was celebrated by Bishop Danny Meagher and was in the presence of family and friends of our students and executive staff of Sydney Catholic Schools, including Mrs Danielle Cronin. We would like to thank Fr Greg Morgan, Fr Steve Drum and Br Antonio Abecasis who helped form and lead our group and also the Sacramental Coordinator at St Charles Borromeo, Arran who helped coordinate the group. We are in awe of the commitment these students have made to their faith and look forward to their work as disciples of Christ.
Patrician Service Learning Program
The Patrician Service Learning Program was launched at the beginning of the year to create opportunities for students to engage with both their College community and local community. It is a requirement at Holy Cross College that each student complete a minimum of 10 hours of service, 5 internally at the College and 5 externally in their local community. Within the Semester 2 Report, students will have a final report on their hours of service.
Students are to ensure that their hours of service are up to date within their diaries and are responsible for also ensuring that the hours of service are recorded on compass by their HCT teacher.
At Holy Cross, our value in forming the whole student is important to the growth and development of their confidence, success and part of our Patrician Charism, to serve others. Thank you for your ongoing support of this program.
Brothers in Christ
Brothers in Christ is a new student-led faith formation group that meets every second Wednesday during lunchtime. Guided by an RE Specialist, the group explores intriguing topics not typically covered in the Religious Education curriculum. Sessions are designed to deepen students’ understanding of their faith and equip them with the knowledge to discuss it with others. Topics include questions like ‘How do we know Jesus existed?,’ ‘Is the Shroud of Turin authentic?,’ and ‘What evidence is there for God through Intelligent Design?’ These thought-provoking discussions encourage students to engage critically and spiritually with their beliefs, while also creating a space for open conversation and shared ideas. Brothers in Christ aims to build a strong foundation in apologetics, strengthen personal faith, and foster a supportive community of young men growing together in truth and understanding. Brothers in Christ is at the forefront of faith life in the school, inspiring young men to lead with conviction and courage.
St Merkorious Christmas Appeal
This Christmas season, the College will continue to support the St Merkorious Charity for our Christmas appeal. St Merkorious is a charity dedicated to providing items including food, clothing, and other essential items for day-to-day living. As a community, we will seek to serve those in need and offer hope by delivering these essential items which we may take for granted.
In order to do this, students will be given a specific list of items, ranging from food, hygiene products, clothing, and other essentials. Students are encouraged to lend a helping hand and give support to those affected by poverty. Together our efforts can make a difference.
Thank you
Deanery Youth Afternoon - Term 4
Students in Years 9,10 are invited to attend the Deanery Youth Event for Term 4 on the 7th of November. This event will be hosted by Marist Sisters Woolwich with the assistance of Sydney Catholic Youth and will focus on the theme of Faith over Fear!
The event will begin at 4:00pm until 5:30pm and students will be provided a pizza dinner. Students will have the opportunity to better understand the place of Faith and overcoming Fear and unite with students from Marist Sisters Woolwich and Marist College Eastwood
This is a fantastic opportunity to network with students from other schools. Students are able to access the link to register their interest on Compass.
Hope to see you there!
Mrs Ashleigh Boulus
YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR
Yours in Christ,
Christina Breda
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR