School Evangelisation
Let's get ready for Lent!
Ash Wednesday will be celebrated at the college on Wednesday, 5 March, marking the beginning of Lent. This will also be the launch of Project Compassion, an important initiative promoting almsgiving and helping those in need.
To kick off fundraising efforts, the Year 10 Ministry team will be leading activities, starting with a Pancake Breakfast on Shrove Tuesday (4 March). Students are encouraged to bring cash to purchase pancakes for breakfast in the bus bay, supporting a great cause while enjoying a delicious treat.
Students will also be invited to take part in a Mufti Day & Bake Sale (Friday 4 April) where students will be asked to wear Project Compassion colors and take part in a bake sale at lunch to raise funds for charity.
Ways Parents Can Support Their Teen During Lent
Lent is a meaningful time for reflection, prayer, and growth, and as a parent, you have a unique opportunity to support your high schooler in deepening their faith. While fasting and sacrifice are key aspects of Lent, it can also be a time of joyful connection and spiritual renewal as a family. Here are some engaging ways to walk alongside your teen during this season.
1. Create a Lenten Challenge Together
Encourage your teen to set a personal Lenten challenge, whether it’s giving up social media for an hour a day, doing a daily act of kindness, or reading a chapter of the Bible each night. To make it fun, create a family challenge where everyone participates and keeps each other accountable.
2. Cook a Simple Meal Together on Fridays
Since Lent emphasises fasting and abstaining from meat on Fridays, take this as an opportunity to cook a simple meal together. Try making a meatless dish, like homemade veggie pizza or pasta, and reflect on the meaning of sacrifice over dinner.
3. Volunteer as a Family
Service is a great way to embrace the Lenten spirit. Find a local charity, food pantry, or community service project and volunteer together. It’s a powerful way to bond while living out the values of compassion and selflessness.
4. Start a Gratitude or Prayer Journal
Encourage your teen to keep a Lent journal where they can reflect on their faith journey, write prayers, or list things they’re grateful for. Parents can join in and make it a shared habit by discussing their entries over a weekly family meal.
5. Go on a Prayer Walk
Instead of giving up something, consider adding a new habit—such as a weekly prayer walk. Take a stroll in your neighbourhood or a nearby park while reflecting on Scripture or discussing meaningful topics. This not only strengthens faith but also allows for quality parent-teen time.
6. Encourage Digital Fasting with a Twist
Instead of just "giving up" social media, encourage your teen to use their digital time for positive impact—like sharing uplifting messages, engaging in online Bible studies, or sending kind notes to friends.
7. Celebrate Sundays with a Special Tradition
Sundays in Lent are not counted as fasting days, so use them as a time to celebrate together. Have a special family breakfast, attend Mass or church together, and reflect on how the week went in terms of Lenten commitments.
By actively engaging in Lent with your high schooler, you’re not only fostering their spiritual growth but also strengthening your relationship. The key is to make it meaningful, fun, and reflective—helping them see Lent as a time of renewal rather than just sacrifice.
Transitus Retreat – 27-28 March 2025
Location: Yarrahapinni Adventist Youth Centre, Grassy Head
Transitus is a special retreat designed for Year 7 students to deepen their discipleship with Jesus Christ, strengthen their connection to His Church, and support their transition into Catholic secondary school.
Transitus Retreat - Expression of Interest Google Form have been shared on Year 7 Catholic Studies Google Classrooms.
Applications close: Wednesday 5 March 2025
LEAD – Senior Student Leadership Event
Date: Thursday 20 – Friday 21 March 2025
Location: McAuley Catholic College, Grafton
LEAD is a two-day Catholic leadership event for senior students engaged in Youth Ministry who want to grow closer to God, strengthen their faith, and become better equipped for mission. Inspired by Christus Vivit, the vision of LEAD is for each student to know that they are good, loved, created for more, and empowered for mission.
LEAD - Expression of Interest Google Form has been shared on Year 11 and 12 Catholic Faith in Action and Studies of Religion Google Classrooms.
Applications close: Friday 28 February 2025
Ignite Launch – 17 May 2025
Location: Dreamworld, Gold Coast
Ignite Launch is an exciting, drug and alcohol-free event filled with fun, friendship and faith. Open to high schoolers, young adults, and families, the day will feature thrilling activities, competitions and opportunities to deepen your faith in a vibrant atmosphere.
If there is enough interest, we will arrange a school bus for the event.
Cost: $130 per ticket (bus cost additional tbc).
Expression of Interest Google Forms have been shared on Year 7-12 Catholic Studies Google Classrooms.
Applications close: Friday 25 April 2025.
For more information about any of these events, speak with Sarah de Byl (Leader of School Evangelisation), Oliver Dwyer (College Youth Minister), or Leanne Gennat (Assistant Principal Mission).
As you can see, a lot is happening in the Evangelisation space, and we are looking forward to an incredible year ahead! Let’s embrace the spirit of faith, leadership, and community together.
Leader of School Evangelisation