The bi-annual Archdiocesan Mass for the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians was celebrated with primary students on Monday 25 May at St Mary’s Cathedral. The celebration will live in our memories for many reasons. The 116 primary schools, including Congregational schools, represented on the day sent eight of their year five and six students. It was hard to believe that approximately 1000 students were present in the Cathedral as they displayed such reverence. The outstanding music and singing enriched the liturgy, and lifted the hearts of all present.
Archbishop Anthony reflected that the celebration would remain in his memory, as it was the first celebration of Our Lady, Help of Christians after his installation as Archbishop of Sydney. During the Homily, His Grace spoke of Our Lady as being our mother and helper in times of need. He spoke also about Fr John Joseph Therry and his ministry to the early Australian Catholic community. The Archbishop was very gracious after the Mass when he volunteered to remain in the Cathedral and be photographed before the altar with as many school groups as possible.
The success of such a large scale event is due to the efforts of many people. Gratitude is extended to Dr Dan White (Executive Director of Catholic Schools, Sydney), Elizabeth O’Carrigan (Director of the Eastern Region), Kathy Campbell and the Business Development and Corporate Services team at Leichhardt, the Leaders of Learning: Religious Education and Regional Consultants across the regions, principals, teachers , parents and the CaSPA team comprising of John Burland, Nancy Cincotta and James Long.
More information can be found in About Catholic schools
Many students undertook special roles in the celebrations. Thanks and congratulations to:
The 10-12 CaSPA students along with the combined choir of:
St Kevin’s Catholic Primary School Eastwood (Inner West Region)
St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School Coogee (Eastern Region)
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic School Miranda (Southern Region)
Acknowledgement of Country
Tyrell (St Mary-St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Maroubra Beach)
First Reader
Sebastian (St Columba’s Catholic Primary School, Leichhardt North)
Second Reader
Stephanie (St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Belfield)
Universal Prayers
Anthony and Gemma (Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School, Carnes Hill)
Natalie and Ryley (Christ the King Catholic School, Bass Hill)
Charlotte and Kate (St Francis de Sales’ Catholic Primary School, Woolooware)
Offertory Procession
Cein and Jessica (St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Randwick North)
Edward and Kyle (St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School, Maroubra Junction)