Religious Education, Identity and Mission
Lent is a time to give and contemplate through prayer all the blessings we have as a community. This week, at SFCC we are fortunate enough to be part of many social justice activities. A Splash of Green was on Thursday in order to celebrate the Feast Day of St Patrick. This day is to commemorate the introduction of Catholicism to Ireland in the early 5th Century and celebrates all things Irish (including our very own Mrs Lyons!). This day is very important for our own Treacy House, as it is named after the Irish Bishop, Patrick Ambrose Treacy- who was responsible for establishing the Christian Brothers Community in Australia. At SFCC and in the tradition of Edmund Rice, we are committed to being liberators of education just like Bishop Treacy and St Patrick. Many students and staff wore ‘A Spray of Green’ and donated a gold coin to Project Compassion. We saw many green socks, green hair ties, green scarves and green hats to celebrate.
If any family wishes to make an additional donation to our campaign this year, please donate online at https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/stfranciscatholiccollegeedmondsonpark
The Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong (CYMW) team provides many opportunities for students around the diocese to be part of their faith journey in a safe and welcoming environment. Thank you to all the staff who volunteered with Ms Flegg and the CYMW team to facilitate the Live event on Thursday evening. Without their commitment to our students and Catholic community, these events wouldn’t be successful.
Monday 21st of March (Week 9), is Harmony Day. It is an international day for the elimination of racism and cultural bias. Here at SFCC, staff and students are encouraged to wear some orange for mufti day and donate a Gold Coin to Project Compassion. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Wearing orange shows mutual support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.
On Harmony Day, students in the Junior Years will participate in Cultural Activities within their grade groups and then in the afternoon they will watch some students perform cultural songs and dances from various countries around the world. Students will also join the Middle and Senior Years students in the Rainbow House Challenge. This community challenge will allow House groups to compete in the spirit of raising funds for Project Compassion but also to advocate for our inclusive community.
Finally, we remember St Joseph who was the husband to Mary and the stepfather to Jesus. A carpenter, a father and a friend, he is the patron of the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travellers and immigrants. We ask St Joseph to bless us all over the coming weeks towards the end of Term 1.
A Child’s Prayer to St Joseph (Feast Day 19th March)