These words from Michael Mangan’s hymn, “Come Together”, led Director of Schools, Dr Michael Slattery, to say, “We’re off to a good start!”

The occasion was the Mass to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, the theme of which is “Faith in Our Future”. Dr Slattery highlighted the variety of ways in which diocesan schools would celebrate; from open classrooms to grandparent days, and from autumn fairs to school liturgies.

In welcoming staff, students, families and members of the diocesan community to the Mass to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, Director of Schools, Dr Michael Slattery, said:

“This year’s theme focuses on strengthening relationships between students and their Catholic faith by ensuring that all students – with support from their parents, staff and members of the wider diocesan community – will have every opportunity to realise their full potential − that is, to be faith-filled people.”

Dr Slattery drew attention in particular to diocesan schools with new dimensions in 2018: St Bede’s Catholic College at Chisholm, the newest school, and both St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead and St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar, both of which have welcomed Year 11 students this term.     

Bishop Bill who presided, and who was accompanied by a number of diocesan clergy, referred to the motto of newly ordained Bishop of Wollongong, Brian Mascord: For all things, give thanks.

Echoing the epistle of St Paul, Bishop Bill recommended a positive attitude to life; “faith in our future. Paul has confidence he’s in the hands of God.

“The opposite of faith is not unbelief, but fear. People of faith face the future with confidence. They know that as the gospel proclaimed, ‘Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God’s saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well.’” 

Photography by Amanda Skehan, Amy Theodore and Brooke Robinson.