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

Written By

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

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10 Mar 2025
From Facebook
Year 6 Mission Leaders led their first Lenten prayer session 🙏🏼 at lunch time on Friday. This is for students to join in ✝️. The theme was ‘Be the Voice’ and the prayer is, give us the wisdom to recognise where your voice is needed and the courage to speak your truth 💜

10 Mar 2025
From Facebook
Our amazing St Francis students had a fantastic day competing at the 2025 Blacktown Zone Swimming Carnival, demonstrating exceptional effort and sportsmanship competing against several other schools. Congratulations and well done to the following students who have qualified to represent the Blacktown Zone at the 2025 Parramatta Diocesan Carnival. Wishing you all the best of luck competing this week. Girls 4 x 50 Relay - Harpar Moloney, Akira Bell, Jessica Salayog, Savannah Charles. Boys 8 years 50m Freestyle - Hugo Hubbard and smashing his PB by 10 seconds Girls 8 Years 50m Freestyle - Nicole Hakim MC events 50m Freestyle and 50 Backstroke - Eden Brooks A big thank you to all the parents who came to support the children and cheer them on throughout the day.