Hundreds of students, teachers and staff from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together at West HQ Rooty Hill recently for the 2024-2025 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference's (ACBC) Social Justice Statement Schools Launch: Truth & Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World.
Held in partnership with the Diocese of Parramatta’s Mission Enhancement Team (MET), the Peace, Justice, Ecology Office and Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP), the launch was attended by Year 8 and 9 students with special guests Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta and CSPD Executive General Manager - Mission Mark Smith.
The launch was celebrated as part of the Parramatta Diocese’s LIFTED GO event which invites students to come together to better understand and consider the role they can play in improving social and environmental justice issues in the world.
"LIFTED GO was an inspiring day for our students to encounter the call of Jesus to seek peace in a world through the Social Justice Statement,” said Mark Smith, CSPD Executive General Manager Mission. “This is a particularly powerful call today with so much suffering caused by conflict. I hope our students return to their schools empowered by this call of Jesus to seek peace in and for our world."
Students discussed current conflicts in the middle east and around the world and how they deal with conflict in their own schools and communities. They considered the importance of trust, which is based on truth, in being able to achieve peace.
In a special Question & Answer session, Bishop Vincent emphasised the importance of building relationships with those affected by violence, stating that we must embrace a culture of encounter and dialogue, and engage in interfaith and ecumenical discussions.
“For conflict to be solved, the truth needs to be shared,” said Nikita, a student at St John XXIII Catholic College Marsden Park.
“We have all seen conflict through war images on social media and tv,” added Tania Melki, CSPD Mission Manager who also took part in the Q&A. “Very little listening is happening but it's more than listening, it’s understanding and empathising. It’s not about agreeing or disagreeing because opposing views hold their own truth. I believe it’s more about understanding the impact upon humanity.”
“I was particularly touched by the testimony of Bishop Vincent and his life experience of fleeing Vietnam due to war,” said Mark Smith. “Also the moving words of James Atanasious, our Diocesan Peace, Justice and Ecology Facilitator, who shared his journey as a Sudanese refugee fleeing terrible conflict in Sudan and the role that his faith played in helping him manage his extreme challenges.”
The Social Justice Statement 2024–2025:
“Truth and Peace – A Gospel Word in a Violent World” analyses the present situation of violence and conflict worldwide and locally, and proposes what is needed if there is to be peace – a peace built on trust, which is based on truth. Using scripture and the guidance of Pope St. John XXIII’s Pacem in Terris and Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti, we learn that peace is possible if we put our trust in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. The statement provides some suggested actions to help us to become peacemakers locally and internationally.
LIFTED GO aims to support young people in developing a deeper understanding of the connection between the love of God, love of self, and love of neighbour. It encourages students to reflect on the importance of caring for all of God’s creations, emphasising charity, advocacy, and justice as integral components of Jesus’ mission in church and society.
Guided by their teachers, many of whom are Religious Education Coordinators (RECs), students engaged in meaningful collaboration to brainstorm actions they can take back to their local school communities in response to the ACBC statement.
Therese Samson, REC at Bede Polding College South Windsor gave a great example of what’s planned for her local community.
“We’re excited to implement ‘Truth Week’ at the College in Term 1 next year,” said Therese. “This will allow for students to hear about the truths of the world, regarding conflicts and to promote understanding and peace.”
Students left LIFTED GO inspired to actively engage in social justice and become catalysts for positive change. Inspired by Jesus, their commitment to ‘Truth and Peace’ is a vital step toward fostering understanding and healing in a world often marked by conflict.
Read Social Justice Statement - Truth & Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World.
View photos from this event
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
Instagram | Nagle
Latest News More news
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🛶🌟 Our Year 7 students recently headed to the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation at Narrabeen for an exciting day of adventure and teamwork. From kayaking (despite the chilly weather!) to archery tag and escape room challenges, students embraced every activity with enthusiasm and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. Along the way, they developed confidence, resilience, communication, and teamwork while creating lasting memories with their peers. It was wonderful to see our Year 7 students challenge themselves, support one another, and make the most of this fantastic experience. 💙 #NagleCollege #Year7 #Camp
26 Aug 2026
ParraSkills Video Competition showcases ‘Life Changing’ VET
Students across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) brought the 2026 National Skills Week theme, “Life Changing”, to life through the 2026 ParraSkills Video Competition, showcasing the skills, experiences and opportunities available through Vocational Education and Training (VET).
18 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Friendships can bring children enormous happiness – but they can also be one of the most difficult parts of growing up. CSPD families are invited to join respected parenting author and speaker Michelle Mitchell for Friendship Smart. Michelle will share practical strategies to help parents and carers support children through: • friendship changes and shifting social groups • conflict, exclusion and bullying • trust, boundaries and repairing relationships • social pressure and friendship worries • developing confidence and a strong sense of self The session is suitable for parents and carers of children across both primary and secondary school. 📅 Monday 31 August 2026 ⏰ 7.00 pm–8.30 pm 📍 Nagle College, Blacktown 🎟 Free for CSPD parents and carers Registration is essential: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKS5r8V_gowJSuSoGe_3QhohiuZ14PX5SWT4YVXcgiqHdp3g/viewform?usp=header"
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🎨✨ Congratulations to our talented Nagle College artists! We are incredibly proud to announce that five of our talented Nagle College students have been selected as finalists in the 2026 ALCHEMY Exhibition! Following a review by a panel of judges, their artworks were recognised for their exceptional quality, showcasing their creativity, skill, and dedication to the visual arts. Being selected as an ALCHEMY finalist is a significant achievement, and we congratulate each of our students on this well-deserved recognition. We wish them every success in the competition and look forward to celebrating their achievements. Well done! 🌟👏 #NagleCollege #CreativeArts #ALCHEMYExhibition #VisualArts
05 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Nagle College warmly invites prospective students and their families to visit and experience the opportunities a Nagle education offers. When: 📅 Thursday 6 August, 9:00 – 10:30 am 📅 Tuesday 25th August, 9:00 – 10:30 am Where: 📍 58A Orwell Street, Blacktown Join us for guided tours of the college and learn more about our learning community. For more information or to register your interest, please visit: 👉 https://www.nagleblacktown.catholic.edu.au/enrolment Or call us on (02) 8887 4500 We look forward to welcoming you. #NagleCollege #OpenDay #EnrolNow
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🎭🎶 CAPTIVATE Immersion Program Our students recently took part in the CAPTIVATE Immersion Program, an inspiring eight-day cross-arts experience for CSPD students in Years 7–12. Bringing together Dance, Drama, and Music, the program encouraged students to collaborate, develop their creative talents, and explore new artistic skills across multiple disciplines. Their learning culminated in a final performance that showcased their creativity, confidence, and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing this wonderful opportunity and look forward to seeing their passion for the performing arts continue to grow. 🌟 #NagleCollege #CreativeArts #CAPTIVATE
31 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🎨✨ Join us for our CAPA & TAS Showcase! Join us on Thursday, 20 August 2026, from 5:00pm in the Nagle College Hall as we celebrate the creativity, talent, and hard work of our students. Throughout the year, our students have been developing their skills across Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and Technology and Applied Studies (TAS), and we can't wait to share their incredible work with our school community. We look forward to welcoming families and friends for an evening of entertainment, creativity, and student excellence. 💙 #NagleCollege #CreativeArts #TAS
31 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🚀✨ Our Year 8 students have been diving into The Orbispace Initiative Innovation Program! After completing workshops focused on innovation and communication, our students recently visited the Western Sydney Startup Hub to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Throughout the day, they connected with inspiring women leading the way in STEM careers and participated in engaging, hands-on seminars. The experience encouraged our students to think creatively, build confidence, and explore the exciting opportunities available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are proud of the enthusiasm and curiosity our students demonstrated as they embraced this inspiring learning opportunity. 🌟 #NagleCollege #Innovation #STEM
29 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Nagle College warmly invites prospective students and their families to visit and experience the opportunities a Nagle education offers. When: 📅 Thursday 6 August, 9:00 – 10:30 am 📅 Tuesday 25th August, 9:00 – 10:30 am Where: 📍 58A Orwell Street, Blacktown Join us for guided tours of the college and learn more about our learning community. For more information or to register your interest, please visit: 👉 https://www.nagleblacktown.catholic.edu.au/enrolment Or call us on (02) 8887 4500 We look forward to welcoming you. #NagleCollege #OpenDay #EnrolNow
28 Jul 2026
Action and Progress: Western Sydney Catholic Schools release 2026 Closing the Gap Report
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has released its Closing the Gap Report 2026, detailing efforts to enhance educational equity, community engagement, and cultural capability across its 80 schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
20 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Nagle College warmly invites prospective students and their families to visit and experience the opportunities a Nagle education offers. When: 📅 Thursday 6 August, 9:00 – 10:30 am 📅 Tuesday 25th August, 9:00 – 10:30 am Where: 📍 58A Orwell Street, Blacktown Join us for guided tours of the college and learn more about our learning community. For more information or to register your interest, please visit: 👉 https://www.nagleblacktown.catholic.edu.au/enrolment Or call us on (02) 8887 4500 We look forward to welcoming you. #NagleCollege #OpenDay #EnrolNow
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
Browse Categories