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.
View photos from this event View full gallery
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Understanding the Four Sundays of Advent Advent is one of those seasons that looks quiet on the surface—candles, soft hymns, purple vestments—but underneath, it carries an intensity that most people overlook. It isn’t just a countdown to Christmas. It is a training ground for the soul, a step-by-step interior journey that shapes the heart to receive Christ in a way that is deliberate, intelligent, and spiritually awake. Each of the four Sundays has its own theme: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. These aren’t random virtues placed in a nice order. They form a progression. Like an ascending staircase, each one becomes possible only because the previous one is accepted and lived. 1. First Sunday: Hope (NOV 30) Hope is not optimism, and it’s not a mood. In Christian theology, hope is a decision of the will to trust that God keeps His promises—even when the evidence looks thin or life feels chaotic. Advent starts here because nothing deep in the spiritual life even begins without hope. You can’t repent, can’t grow, can’t pray meaningfully unless you trust that the God you’re turning toward actually meets you. 2. Second Sunday: Peace (DEC 07) Once hope is established, peace becomes possible. And peace here isn’t emotional calm; it’s inner order. It means putting God in the center so that everything else—work, family, stress, desires, plans—moves into the right place. A person without hope has no peace, because their world is always wobbling on unstable ground. Advent’s second stage asks the believer to let God rearrange the inside of their life. 3. Third Sunday: Joy (DEC 14) Joy is not pleasure, and it isn’t excitement. Joy is what happens when peace becomes stable. It is the interior buoyancy that comes from knowing that one’s life is anchored in something far bigger and far more solid than circumstances. This is why Gaudete Sunday uses rose-colored vestments: the Church gives a small burst of celebration as a reminder that God’s grace is actively at work. Joy is the fruit of a life rooted in trust. 4. Fourth Sunday: Love (DEC 21) Love is placed last because authentic love requires transformation. Anyone can feel affection, but Christian love is not a feeling; it is self-giving. It is the willingness to put oneself at the service of God and neighbor, even when it costs something. Love is the summit of Advent because it prepares the heart for Christmas itself: God’s ultimate act of love revealed in the Incarnation. Why This Sequence Matters Advent teaches a psychological and spiritual truth: the soul does not leap to holiness—it grows in layers. Hope strengthens the will. Peace stabilizes the interior world. Joy energizes the heart. Love directs that energy outward. This movement transforms Christmas from a holiday into a revelation. Instead of merely celebrating the birth of Christ, Advent trains the believer to receive Him.
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30 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Understanding the Four Sundays of Advent Advent is one of those seasons that looks quiet on the surface—candles, soft hymns, purple vestments—but underneath, it carries an intensity that most people overlook. It isn’t just a countdown to Christmas. It is a training ground for the soul, a step-by-step interior journey that shapes the heart to receive Christ in a way that is deliberate, intelligent, and spiritually awake. Each of the four Sundays has its own theme: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. These aren’t random virtues placed in a nice order. They form a progression. Like an ascending staircase, each one becomes possible only because the previous one is accepted and lived. 1. First Sunday: Hope (NOV 30) Hope is not optimism, and it’s not a mood. In Christian theology, hope is a decision of the will to trust that God keeps His promises—even when the evidence looks thin or life feels chaotic. Advent starts here because nothing deep in the spiritual life even begins without hope. You can’t repent, can’t grow, can’t pray meaningfully unless you trust that the God you’re turning toward actually meets you. 2. Second Sunday: Peace (DEC 07) Once hope is established, peace becomes possible. And peace here isn’t emotional calm; it’s inner order. It means putting God in the center so that everything else—work, family, stress, desires, plans—moves into the right place. A person without hope has no peace, because their world is always wobbling on unstable ground. Advent’s second stage asks the believer to let God rearrange the inside of their life. 3. Third Sunday: Joy (DEC 14) Joy is not pleasure, and it isn’t excitement. Joy is what happens when peace becomes stable. It is the interior buoyancy that comes from knowing that one’s life is anchored in something far bigger and far more solid than circumstances. This is why Gaudete Sunday uses rose-colored vestments: the Church gives a small burst of celebration as a reminder that God’s grace is actively at work. Joy is the fruit of a life rooted in trust. 4. Fourth Sunday: Love (DEC 21) Love is placed last because authentic love requires transformation. Anyone can feel affection, but Christian love is not a feeling; it is self-giving. It is the willingness to put oneself at the service of God and neighbor, even when it costs something. Love is the summit of Advent because it prepares the heart for Christmas itself: God’s ultimate act of love revealed in the Incarnation. Why This Sequence Matters Advent teaches a psychological and spiritual truth: the soul does not leap to holiness—it grows in layers. Hope strengthens the will. Peace stabilizes the interior world. Joy energizes the heart. Love directs that energy outward. This movement transforms Christmas from a holiday into a revelation. Instead of merely celebrating the birth of Christ, Advent trains the believer to receive Him.
29 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On the final morning of playgroup we’d like to thank all of our parents for making the time to attend both the student and parent sessions. We’ve had a marvelous time meeting our new family members for 2026. A special thanks to the staff who support through playgroup and parent information sessions. See you all in 2026 💙💛💙💛
27 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Today Miss Pirovic hosted 133 students at her Principals Morning Tea (with more to come next week). We congratulate all students for their persistence towards excellence in their academic, social, emotional and/or spirtual learnings over the course of 2025 💛💙💛💙
26 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Thank you to KG for leading us in prayer to celebrate the Feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe during our Week 7 assembly 👑 Our morning was full of celebrations for our achievements. From merits to star cards, to uniforms, sporting and music, students at OLMC truly shine ✨
25 Nov 2025
From Facebook
On Friday, 14th November, Stage Three students enjoyed an action-packed and memorable day at Manly and Shelly Beach. Throughout the day, students took part in engaging Surf Awareness discussions and learned how to identify rips and respond safely in different situations. They also completed a still-water assessment and practised essential survival skills. The fun continued as students paddled foam surfboards, caught waves, and learned how to negotiate the surf with confidence. Body surfing proved to be a highlight, with plenty of laughter and cheering from the shore. It was a fantastic day of learning, teamwork and beachside fun—one the students won’t soon forget! A very big thank you to all our teachers and parents who came and assisted on the day.
20 Nov 2025
From Facebook
🎉 Kindergarten Reward Day Fun! 🎉 Yesterday we celebrated an amazing year of learning and growth with our Kindergarten Reward Day Party! From a magical balloon show to musical chairs, face painting and lots of smiles, it was a joyful day filled with colour, laughter and celebration. Thank you to our wonderful parent helpers and to all our students for bringing their best party spirit! 💛
19 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Our Playgroup is so much more than a fun morning together, it’s the very beginning of each child’s learning journey in our school community. Through play, children build the foundations for social, emotional and academic growth. They learn how to take turns, share, solve problems, use their imagination, build confidence, and develop the early language and motor skills that set them up for success in Kindergarten and beyond. We love seeing our future Kindy students laugh, discover and grow each week. 💛🩵
18 Nov 2025
Western Sydney Catholic Schools hold the phone
Student mobile phone use will be banned across 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The restriction presents a positive opportunity to enhance student outcomes, both in academic excellence and wellbeing.
14 Nov 2025
From Facebook
Today a new group of eager Kindy starters arrived for their second round of Playgroup 🌺🩷⚽️🧱 Playgroup is intentionally designed to support our youngest learners as they transition into big school. Through play, children learn how to share, negotiate, take turns and build relationships, all essential foundations for positive social development. Play also lays the groundwork for academic success. As children engage in hands-on activities, they develop early literacy and numeracy skills, strengthen their problem-solving abilities, and learn to follow routines and instructions in a safe and supportive environment. Most importantly, play allows children to feel confident, curious and ready to learn.
14 Nov 2025
From Facebook
This week has seen a dramatic change with the frame of the new COLA going up. The children were excited to see the big crane in action.