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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🌎 🌿 Year 5 Exploring Darug Country 🌿 🌎 Our Year 5 students have been exploring the rich history and geography of Darug Country through their English and Geography learning. As part of our Geography focus on “Factors that change environments,” students investigated how people have influenced and changed the natural environment over time. Through the Windsor Convict Walk Trail, students visited St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Windsor Courthouse, Macquarie Arms Hotel, Thompson Square, The Doctor’s House, the Hawkesbury River (Dyarubbin) and Old Windsor Hospital. Students explored how Darug Peoples have cared for and sustainably used Country for thousands of years, before examining how European settlement changed the landscape through farming, land clearing, roads, buildings and other infrastructure. They also considered how the Hawkesbury River provided food, water, fertile land and transport, while flooding influenced where people built and settled. This learning encouraged students to consider different perspectives and understand how people and the natural environment have shaped Windsor over time. #Year5 #DarugCountry #DharugCountry #LearningOnCountry #Geography #English #History #FactorsThatChangeEnvironments #Sustainability #FirstNationsPerspectives #DarugPeoples #Dyarubbin #HawkesburyRiver #WindsorNSW #WindsorHistory #LocalHistory #PlaceBasedLearning #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #LearningBeyondTheClassroom31 Aug 2026
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❄️ 💙 Winter Sleepout for the Vinnies Winter Appeal 💙 ❄️ Last Friday night, our school community came together for our Winter Stayout, helping to raise awareness and support for the Vinnies Winter Appeal and those experiencing homelessness in our community. A special thank you to the Bede Polding College student leaders who joined us and spoke with our families about their experiences supporting people who are homeless. Their stories were a wonderful reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity and looking out for those who are most vulnerable. Thank you to all of our students, families and staff who braved the cold, showed solidarity and helped shine a light on an important issue. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. #VinniesWinterAppeal #WinterSleepout #WinterStayout #Vinnies #CommunitySupport #CompassionInAction #KindnessMatters #HelpingOthers #HomelessnessAwareness #CommunitySpirit #Solidarity #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #StMatthewsCommunity
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From Facebook
🌎 🌿 Year 5 Exploring Darug Country 🌿 🌎 Our Year 5 students have been exploring the rich history and geography of Darug Country through their English and Geography learning. As part of our Geography focus on “Factors that change environments,” students investigated how people have influenced and changed the natural environment over time. Through the Windsor Convict Walk Trail, students visited St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Windsor Courthouse, Macquarie Arms Hotel, Thompson Square, The Doctor’s House, the Hawkesbury River (Dyarubbin) and Old Windsor Hospital. Students explored how Darug Peoples have cared for and sustainably used Country for thousands of years, before examining how European settlement changed the landscape through farming, land clearing, roads, buildings and other infrastructure. They also considered how the Hawkesbury River provided food, water, fertile land and transport, while flooding influenced where people built and settled. This learning encouraged students to consider different perspectives and understand how people and the natural environment have shaped Windsor over time. #Year5 #DarugCountry #DharugCountry #LearningOnCountry #Geography #English #History #FactorsThatChangeEnvironments #Sustainability #FirstNationsPerspectives #DarugPeoples #Dyarubbin #HawkesburyRiver #WindsorNSW #WindsorHistory #LocalHistory #PlaceBasedLearning #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #LearningBeyondTheClassroom
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From Facebook
❄️ 💙 Winter Sleepout for the Vinnies Winter Appeal 💙 ❄️ Last Friday night, our school community came together for our Winter Stayout, helping to raise awareness and support for the Vinnies Winter Appeal and those experiencing homelessness in our community. A special thank you to the Bede Polding College student leaders who joined us and spoke with our families about their experiences supporting people who are homeless. Their stories were a wonderful reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity and looking out for those who are most vulnerable. Thank you to all of our students, families and staff who braved the cold, showed solidarity and helped shine a light on an important issue. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. #VinniesWinterAppeal #WinterSleepout #WinterStayout #Vinnies #CommunitySupport #CompassionInAction #KindnessMatters #HelpingOthers #HomelessnessAwareness #CommunitySpirit #Solidarity #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #StMatthewsCommunity
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🏆 🏉 Stage 3 Girls Touch Football 🏉 🏆 Congratulations to our Year 6 girls’ team on an incredible achievement, finishing the day undefeated and topping their pool! Their commitment, teamwork and determination were on display in every game. #StMatthewsWindsor #TouchFootball #PrimarySport #Teamwork #SchoolPride #FutureChampions #GoTeam
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From Facebook
⭐️ 🏆 Principal Awards - Term 3, Week 3 🏆 ⭐️ Mr Ticehurst is proud to recognise this week’s Principal Award recipients, who have demonstrated positive learning habits and maintained a growth mindset. We celebrate their achievement and consistent effort as they strive for their personal best. #PrincipalAwards #StudentAchievement #GrowthMindset #PositiveLearning #LearningExcellence #StudentSuccess #SchoolPride #CelebratingSuccess #PersonalBest #FutureLeaders #StMatthews
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From Facebook
⛪️🙏🏻 Confirmation Mass 🙏🏻⛪️ Over three special evenings last week, the students of St Matthew’s proudly celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation, saying “Yes” to God and receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These beautiful celebrations marked an important milestone in each student’s faith journey. Surrounded by their families, sponsors, teachers and parish community, they took this significant step with faith and courage. We are incredibly proud of all of our newly confirmed students. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen you as you grow in faith and live out God’s love each day. Congratulations to all of our Confirmation candidates. #Confirmation #SacramentOfConfirmation #CatholicEducation #FaithJourney #HolySpirit #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsPrimary #StMatthewsWindsor #SchoolCommunity #GrowingInFaith #CatholicLife #Blessed