2022reflection-2

Year 9 students attended their Reflection Day at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta last Friday, 25th March. The students focused on the Mercy value of excellence and also had the opportunity to tour the cathedral. A highlight of the day was a Mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent where the students joined with parishioners in praying for peace in Ukraine. 

Two reflections from Year 9 students are below:
 
Our Reflection Day was an extremely enjoyable day and was a great opportunity to enjoy our community and faith as a cohort. We extended our knowledge of the Mercy value of Excellence, learning that excellence is not confined to the single definition of excelling at something but achieving our personal best in everything we do, ‘doing the ordinary extraordinarily well’. During the day, we participated in many team building activities which enabled us to strengthen our friendships within the Year group. 

This day was a great time to reflect on our term and the past two years of high school, focusing on the friendships we have built and the history of the Catholic faith. The Cathedral was beautiful to observe with both the historical and spiritual connection to our Earth. Within the Cathedral, we were able to observe the symbolism of the Holy Spirit, the crown of thorns and the tabernacle being a seed of which will grow as our faith does. This was a wonderful experience and Year 9 is grateful for all of the teachers who organised this day, the ones of who have helped in developing our faith and continue to support us on our school journey. 


Elisha Z., Year 9

I enjoyed it when Father Walter spoke to us about how people in our society inspire us to show excellence. Father Walter used the example of how Ash Barty displayed excellence during her tennis matches and that she not only achieved her personal best, but also exceeded the expectations of others. 

We were very privileged to attend Mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent and participate in the Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as it was the Feast of the Annunciation. 

As a grade, we had an interesting discussion about what excellence meant to us and talked about individuals who inspire us in society, ranging from our family members and peers to inspiring women such as Malala Yousafzai. Ms Banks and Ms Morrison also taught us about how Mary the Mother of God showed excellence when on the day of the Annunciation. 

Learning about the architecture of the Cathedral and the Chapel was very interesting as there were many symbols and sculptures representing different sections of the Bible. I especially liked the doors of the Chapel which was decorated with symbols of the Garden of Eden and the Creation story from Genesis.


Audrey H., 9 Ryan Liturgy Leader

 

Written By

Catherine McAuley Westmead

Catherine McAuley Westmead
www.mcauleywestmead.catholic.edu.au

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