World Youth Day Pilgrimage
World Youth Day aims to let youth know about the message of Jesus Christ, in the context of a joyful meeting with the Pope, other young people from around the world and leaders of the Church.
In January 2019, Brisbane Catholic Education pilgrims journeyed to Panama City, Panama for World Youth Day. Young Catholics from across the world gathered, encountering Christ through a unique and vibrant expression of faith by the global Church, and activities and celebrations held at different sites.
This pilgrimage was a unique opportunity for the young pilgrims to grow stronger in their Catholic faith by sharing stories, unpacking Church teaching, and celebrating liturgies with Pope Francis, Bishops, clergy and fellow pilgrims.
NAIDOC celebrations
Mother Teresa School, Ormeau celebrated NAIDOC Week with many activities to showcase numerous aspects of First Nations cultures and heritage through performing arts, traditional foods, arts and crafts. The school’s Reconciliation Action Plan reflects the school’s passion to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised. The school named in honour of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, aims to continue Mother Teresa’s philosophy to offer help to those that have suffered injustices in society. The school aims to help the reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
Activities included local Indigenous wildlife ranger, Clinton Brewer, to open celebrations with a welcome to country ceremony and special liturgy. Other activities included boomerang and clap stick decorating, storytelling, dot painting and an opportunity to taste bush tucker at a whole-school barbeque that featured kangaroo and crocodile. The decorated clap sticks featured at a whole school assembly at the end of the week, as part of songs students learned during music lessons.
Harmony Day
St Peter Claver College, Riverview celebrated Harmony Day through story-telling, food, music and dancing to understand more deeply where people come from and how culture has shaped their identity. Dances included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students performing Welcome and mosquito dances, Polynesian dancers performing a traditional Samoan dance; and the Africa United dancers.
Year 12 College Captain Tuia Gregory shared his story about coming to Australia, seeking refuge and learning about his own cultural identity. Tuia encouraged everyone to find out about their story, history and culture. Celebrations finished with a Haka performed by senior boys and the senior band leading the college community in a singalong.
90-year anniversary for St Thomas’ School, Camp Hill
The St Thomas’ community at Camp Hill honoured the past 90 years with students learning the school’s history in the lead up to anniversary events. Celebrations culminated with a mass which included many past and present members of the community, and opened a new sacred space, Samaritan Place.
St Joseph’s celebration
St Joseph’s School marked 100 years of Catholic education in Gayndah. A weekend of festivities included a picnic on the oval, with past, present and future students, staff, parents and special guests entertained with student performances, memorabilia and historic displays. Good Samaritan Sisters, the order who founded the school in 1919, were among the special guests at the centenary mass.
Major milestone for Our Lady of the Assumption
Our Lady of the Assumption School, Enoggera celebrated its centenary celebrations through a community festival, historical displays, musical performances, a whole school mass and high tea. Many past students, families and staff attended and reminisced through reflection on changes in the school since the first students were welcomed on Australia Day in 1919.