Primary students inspired to use their gifts for good!

2018 Year of Youth Celebrations 1

More than 400 Stage Three students from 12 primary schools across the Diocese of Parramatta, including Our Lady of the Rosary, joined a recent celebration for the Year of Youth at Rooty Hill RSL.

Each of the participating Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta schools is part of the Faith in Action initiative, developed in partnership with Catholic Youth Parramatta. Faith in Action Teams (FIAT) are made up of passionate young teachers (2 to 4 per school) who foster the personal and spiritual growth of young people, engaging them in the life and mission of the Catholic faith community.

The event was facilitated by Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP) and featured Genevieve Bryant, a highly acclaimed young Catholic singer, songwriter and performer who is from Melbourne. She was a headline performer for the Australian Catholic Youth Festivals in Adelaide in 2015 and Sydney in 2017.

2018 Year of Youth Celebrations 2

Mission Teaching Educator Amanda Bentley said the program for the day saw a combination of music, testimony, discussion and prayer.

“Genevieve did a great job in engaging with the students and talking to them about trusting in God to use their gifts and talents to share God’s love with others,’’ Ms Bentley said.

“She shared her own testimony and encouraged the students to be engaged with their faith, to deepen their relationship with God and to try to live out God’s message.”

Catholic Youth Parramatta also gathered student testimonies to share with Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta, as another element of dialogue within this Year of Youth event.

“The students were given an opportunity to address the following questions given to them by Bishop Vincent: What have you been involved in at your school for the Year of Youth; what is something you would like Bishop Vincent to know is important for young people in our Church; and what is your dream for the future of the Church.”

Teachers praised the joyful impact the day had on the students.

2018 Year of Youth Celebrations 3

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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✨ End of Year Liturgy & Awards Ceremony ✨ As we gathered for our End of Year Liturgy and Awards Ceremony, our hearts were filled with gratitude, hope and joy. Our sacred space was beautifully prepared with the symbols of Advent — a season of waiting, hope and joyful expectation — reminding us of God’s presence among us. We were especially blessed by our Kindergarten students, who led the liturgy with confidence, reverence and joy. Their prayers, actions and enthusiasm were a beautiful reminder that faith can be lived and shared at every age 💛 A heartfelt congratulations to all students who received awards. Your efforts, growth and achievements throughout the year are something to be very proud of, and we celebrate all that you have accomplished 🌟 This special celebration also gave us the opportunity to farewell valued staff members, thanking them for their dedication, service and the lasting impact they have made within our school community. You will always remain a cherished part of our story. Thank you to our students, staff and families for coming together to celebrate a wonderful year of learning, faith and community as we look forward with hope to the year ahead.