Parish

Catholic Identity - Religious Dimension

Sacramental Program

Students at St Mary's are prepared for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation through the parish based sacramental program. Information evenings are conducted by the parish. Preparation for the sacraments is through family groups, facilitated by parents.

Students in Year Three or above are prepared for Reconciliation and First Communion. Students in Year Six or above are prepared for Confirmation.

Religious Education Curriculum

At St Mary’s we believe that through Religious Education in our classrooms and in partnership with our parents and parish community, students will gain a knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ the person and the traditions of the Catholic faith.

We believe that this knowledge and understanding must be engaged with contemporary social issues and the life experience of our students. Therefore we aim to make Religious Education alive and child centered by employing the best teaching methodologies, incorporating creative teaching strategies and multiple intelligences. We aim to sequence planned activities so that they reflect the Emmaus process.

Through the Religious Education Program we aim to:

  • Make Religious Education an integral part of each school day
  • Teach a specific Religious Education lesson using learning experiences and teaching strategies related to the outcomes and indicators from the Religious Education curriculum of the Sydney Archdiocese, To Know, Worship and Love. Activities will ensure that there is a balanced program, with Scripture, Doctrine, Celebrations, Lived Responses and Life Experiences being included.

Each classroom creates a sacred space as a focus for prayer in the classroom. This sacred space should reflect current classroom themes in RE.

Prayer

All students have the opportunity to lead the school in prayer, at the morning assemblies. These prayer liturgies reflect the Religious Education program, church celebrations, feast days and special events.

Formal and informal prayer opportunities are also provided. Formal prayers will be learnt according to the Religious Education syllabus. Meditation is also included in prayer.

Class Masses

Each class plans and celebrates a class mass which incorporates the themes, concepts and Scripture of the unit being taught at the time. Masses are in an informal setting in the Church. Parents and families are encouraged to participate in these Masses.

Partnership with Parish

We intend to participate in parish programs and liturgies in the following ways:

  • Year 3 will complete the parish sacramental programs for Reconciliation and Eucharist.
  • Year 6 students will complete the parish sacramental program for Confirmation.
  • All classes will take turns to prepare and lead the Liturgy for the 9am Sunday Mass on those Sundays allocated to the school. A roster will be set up for these masses.

Celebrations

  • Commencement Mass - Term One
  • School Feast Day – Mary Help of Christians 24 May
  • Mary MacKillop - 8 August
  • Observance of ANZAC Day
  • Observance of Remembrance Day
  • Seasons within the Liturgical Year
  • The Assumption- 15 August
  • Mass of Thanksgiving at the end of the school year

Parish of North Sydney

Our Jesuit Parish of North Sydney, Lavender Bay and Kirribilli is a vibrant worshipping community.

The parish website can be accessed at:http://www.northsydneycatholics.com/