Yearbook 2021

Religious Education

This year at Hennessy Catholic College has been filled with memorable moments. The Religious Education team has worked hard to make our Catholic faith come to life through interesting inquiry- based learning, participation in ministry and social justice activities and much more. The Religious Education teaching team at the College this year has been bigger than ever, giving us a unique opportunity to implement some wonderful initiatives to make Jesus known and loved in our community. Led by Ms. Beth Doherty, the team was made up of Jessica Buchanan (who will take up the role of Religious Education Leader in 2022), Alice Riley, Luke Miller, Peter Igoe-Taylor, Elizabeth Igoe-Taylor, Simon Quinn, Leonie Hill, Sharon Hibbert, Damien Foley, Mark Chifley, Paul McAlister, Catherine Riordan and Ian Mergard. The year began with Year 11 Retreat in which students attended St Clement’s Monastery in Galong for an overnight stay. Chris Doyle from Sydney spent the day with the Year 11 students engaging in a range of activities. The evening session was more reflective, and students wrote letters to their future selves, which were given back to them at their October leadership Mass. Our Opening Mass was celebrated by Parish Priest Fr. Jiss Sunny, and featured a new song 'I can see a future composed by Religious Education Leader Beth Doherty to reflect the year’s theme Inspiring futures of hope. So many students were involved in the liturgy doing readings, carrying signs and symbols, and the result was a beautiful and moving ceremony. Hennessy’s commitment to social justice was at the fore this year with a visit in March from Lulu Mitshabu, Caritas Australia’s Congolese-born Africa Programs Coordinator and Diocesan Director.

Lulu spoke to our Year 7-10 Religious Education classes, and then in the afternoon, the school and Parish hosted a joint wine and cheese gathering served by the senior leadership team. Lulu also ran a Professional Development session on Catholic Social Teaching for staff.