Our school provides opportunities for students, staff and parents to know and celebrate their Catholic faith. This is done through the religious life of our school. Members of our community experience a rich liturgical and prayer life, celebration of the Sacraments, faith formation, social outreach activities, and opportunities to share faith with each other and with youth from other schools in the Archdiocese.
Students receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are taught as part of the class programs as well as participating in the parish Sacramental program. School Masses and prayer liturgies are an integral part of the religious education program and parents are invited to attend and celebrate.
All classes are encouraged to celebrate our faith regularly with both Masses and prayer times. Each term the class will have a class Mass. Parents are invited to attend these celebrations. As a school we come together to celebrate special days such as the opening and closing of the school year, Mothers’ Day, St. Columba, St Mary MacKillop, St. Joseph, Sacred Heart, Fathers’ Day, Advent and Easter liturgies. These are very special days and your attendance is appreciated.
The St Columba’s Catholic Primary School Leichhardt North family and faith program provides a variety of experiences and activities to nurture the wellbeing and faith of families. Through the program, families can participate in the religious life of the school and parish.
Some of the initiatives are:
- Little Columba’s Play Group – Weekly sessions include storytime, craft and free play.
- SPaR (Stop, Pray, and Relax) – SPaR is a gentle, contemporary reflection on ‘everyday’ moments that connect with our faith.
- Family Masses – The family Mass is a special occasion where the school and parish communities gather as one. A unique feature of the Mass is that students and families carry out different responsibilities in the liturgy.
- Family Social Justice Evenings – Each year, families engage in a community gathering to learn about social justice issues and how they can provide practical assistance.
- Sacramental Art’n’Craft Workshops – In class SPaR celebrations involving students and their family.
Staff at St Columba’s Catholic Primary School Leichhardt North participate in a faith formation day once a year. They also take opportunities to put their faith into action through the St Vincent de Paul Society, Jesuit Refugee Service and the Community Refugee Welcome Centre. Staff also take the opportunity to pray together weekly.
The school and parish work together to enrich the sacramental life of all in the community. Sacramental preparation is led by the parish and fully supported by the school. Parents are fully involved in the Sacramental preparation of their children. Staff support and attend our families through this time, attending the Sacraments and teaching about them in the classroom
We have a close relationship with the St Vincent de Paul Society, and a Mini Vinnies group at school leads student initiatives within the school. Our students are also involved in the Pope Francis Award, Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, sourcing donations for the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Refugee Welcome Centre, and each year we participate in the St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleepout.