Director of Mission

Religious Education across campus

By Catholic, Identity and Mission Team Email this article

Holy Communion, First Nations culture, and reflections.

Sacrament News
Congratulations to all families and students who received their First Holy Communion this year. As a College we are very lucky to have strong affiliation with the Emmaus Parish, and St Paul of the Cross, both of which have a wonderful Sacrament Program helping families prepare their spiritual journey. We look forward to acknowledging all of these students at assembly later in the Term.

If you would like to enrol your child into the Emmaus Sacrament Program for 2023, please collect a printed copy from Strathspey Reception or message me on SEQTA direqt message.

Teresa Pepicelli
Religious Education Coordinator R-5

---

Welcome to Community
Niina Marni; greetings!

Year 12 Religion Studies students enjoyed visits from two inspirational guest speakers, Senior Kaurna Man Uncle Mickey Kumatpi O’Brien, and Old Scholar Liesl Von Der Borch, who works at Ngutu College at Woodville with many Kaurna cultural educators across Adelaide.

Our guests offered fresh, authentic, contemporary, and historical insights to inform the students for their Folio 2 assessment task about Australian Indigenous Spirituality.

Student reflections:

"Uncle Mickey O’Brien's sharing of the traditional Kaurna culture was accompanied by an extremely reverent atmosphere from students and teachers. Uncle Mickey took his time with his presentation, explaining the traditions, practices, and overall culture, with several activities involving students. His presentation will no doubt prove to be an invaluable resource for all the students for their current task addressing Indigenous Spirituality."
Jake Tipper

"The year 12 Religion Studies classes were fortunate to have guest speaker and Mercedes Old Scholar, Liesl Von Der Borch speak about Indigenous spirituality for our Religion assignment. It was very interesting and inspirational to hear about indigenous culture and it will certainly help with our assignment. Thank you, Liesel for giving back to the Mercedes College Community."
Lara Fox

"I am so grateful for the experience of listening to Mickey O'Brien share his wisdom and culture with us. It was a wonderful opportunity enabling me to further learn about the importance of Aboriginal Spirituality and understand how vital it is to listen to the voices of First Nations people. Thank you."
Marianna De Tulio

Wishing all 2022 Year 12 Religion Studies students every blessing as they complete their remaining assessment tasks, and thank you for your energy and engagement in learning.

Peace
Helen Ayliffe
10-12 LAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

---

 Year 6 Reflection Day
“The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today but better tomorrow”
Catherine McAuley.

Our Year 6 students walked to The Monastery for a day of reflection and contemplation. Student focus, led by year level leader David Carosi, was on positive relationships and having a positive mindset. With this in mind, students creatively painted pebbles with words and symbols of faith, love, and gratitude.

Explorations of the Good Samaritan parable, as well as Jesus’ example of washing the feet of his disciples, were part of our reflection time. Students looked at what these messages mean in today’s world, and how we can be loving, non-judgemental, and positive people in a complicated world. Students interacted beautifully and took the time to hang out with their cohort in a different, very positive environment.

Looking forward, our musicians, singers, linguists, and dancers are preparing for a wonderful Mercy Day Mass at the College on Fridy 30 September and I look forward to sharing that experience with you in the next Mercy Vine.

Blessings
Therese Wilson
Director of Mission