More than 5000 school leaders, teachers and staff from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) participated in two professional learning days reflecting on the ministry of Catholic Education in Western Sydney and the new CSPD Religious Education Curriculum Encountering Jesus.
Held on 28 and 29 April at West HQ and the Coliseum in Rooty Hill, the two days saw those in attendance experience contemporary formation of the head, heart, hands and soul through workshops, large group sessions, prayer and liturgy.
”The theme, Encountering Jesus as Pilgrims of Hope, was powerfully felt throughout the day,” said Nicole Emerton, Head of School, at St Luke’s Catholic College Marsden Park.
“From the thoughtful organisation to the spirit-filled seminars and workshops, it was a meaningful reminder of our shared mission in Catholic education.”
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese staff participate in a labyrinth workshop during their two-day professional learning at West HQ and the Coliseum in Rooty Hill in April 2025. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Sessions were enhanced by contemporary music provided from renowned Catholic singer-songwriter Gen Bryant and the Diocese’s Mission Enhancement Team, as well as art and drama featuring students from CSPD schools and supported by the CSPD Captivate Team.
Adding to the sense of excitement and purpose, CSPD’s new RE curriculum recently received endorsement from Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect for the New Evangelisation section of the Dicastery for Evangelisation – a powerful affirmation of CSPD’s commitment to faith formation and innovation in Catholic education.
Professor Br David Hall FMS, Dean of the LaSalle Academy at Australian Catholic University (ACU), delivered a keynote address to all teaching staff and leaders in which he reminded them of the importance of Catholic Education in and for Australian society today.
Professor Br David Hall FMS speaks during the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese two-day professional learning at West HQ and the Coliseum in Rooty Hill in April 2025. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
With the rise of artificial intelligence, increased consumption, social inequity and division, Catholic schools offer “hope that is powered by faith that looks like love”, Br David said.
A significant aspect of both days was hearing from Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot.
Bishop Vincent shared his vision for Religious Education and Mission in CSPD and reinforced the importance of the new curriculum as an approach to Religious Education that was not static, but meets students in the world and responds to the issues they face.
Jack de Groot encouraged all staff to remember that Jesus is always at the centre of the work.
“Our mission in education is integrating the Gospel into our schools and accompanying young people so that they discover, in service to others and in academic rigor, the construction of the common good,” Jack said.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot speaks during their two-day professional learning at West HQ and the Coliseum in Rooty Hill in April 2025. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
The two-day program divided staff into primary and secondary cohorts. During workshop rotations, attendees participated in a variety of formation experiences.
School leaders were asked to consider what it means to lead a Catholic community in a contemporary context. Religious Education teachers reflected on their role as witness, specialists and moderators in the classroom, while support staff engaged with what it means to be the face of Christ. Teachers in other specialist areas also explored the role of Catholic Social Teachings in their work.
More than 5000 CSPD teachers and staff attended the two-day formation event at Rooty Hill. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“I have taken much away from the day, and know that my staff feel renewed, motivated and more connected to our Mission as Catholic educators.” said Monica Fitzalan, Principal at St Patrick’s Primary Blacktown.
The two CSPD System Formation Days reflect the organisation’s commitment to forming all those involved in the ministry of Catholic Education in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Andrew Wilson is Head Mission at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Ordinary Time | Winter edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
