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.
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 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.
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.
“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.
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15 Sep 2025
From Facebook
The next event, was Cook Up Kindness Day, which was held today. It was an initiative coordinated and lead by our amazing, and dedicated FIAT leaders (Mrs Park and Mrs Hyson). The focus was centred around the importance of how food can nourish the body🙏, heart 💓 and soul 😇, as NOTHING says “we care” more than a warm meal. However, for over 127,000 Australians, this is a luxury they cannot always afford. Therefore, the St Andrew's staff were invited to join the... "👩🍳Cook Up Kindness Day👩🍳", by preparing a favourite dish, such as soups, pastas, curries, slices, sweet treats… anything that we loved to make! 🥘🍰 👉 This challenge was taken up by so many!!! where delectable desserts, warm meals, yummy snacks and treats were brought into the staffroom to make a banquet spread of; compassion and love. 👉 At recess and lunch, the Cook Up Kindness Food Stall was opened for all staff to enjoy delicious food as a work meal, or to take home, as dinner for their family. This generosity of food was matched by making a donation. 👉 All funds raised will go directly to Vinnies, supporting those doing it tough. Needless to say the initiative was a HUGE success, with many smiles, laughter and full stomachs, too!😆 Together, we not only raised money to support our school's long-standing partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society, but to also share kindness and hope through the joy of food! 💕15 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Next up, 🥪 A huge thank you to our amazing staff at St Andrew’s! They have showcased skills fit for the Master Chef kitchen...donating their time, skills and expertise to cook up a storm, with the united goal of supporting the continual great work and mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society. The first event; was held on the 1st of September, where many of our staff (after school) made sandwiches for the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol Service; who serve people who live on the streets of Sydney. 💛 Their kindness and commitment to service showed a true reflection of our school values — teamwork, solidarity, and faith in action.