In the heart of Western Sydney, St Agnes High School in Rooty Hill is redefining what it means to be a Catholic community in a pluralistic world, proving that a robust faith identity is the ultimate bridge to one’s neighbour.
The school recently hosted a formation day, “Walking Together in Faith,” designed to equip 120 staff members with the theological and practical tools to move beyond mere tolerance toward what Pope Francis famously calls an “authentic encounter”.
The workshop was a collaborative initiative led by members of the Interfaith Commission of the Diocese of Parramatta – Merilyn Hancock, Debra Snoddy, Colleen Foley, and Margaret Tisch – in consultation with staff from the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations.
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A central theme of the day was the rejection of the idea that Catholic identity must be “watered down” to accommodate others. Instead, facilitators grounded the discussion in Ecclesiam Suam (1964), framing dialogue as a primary duty of the Church that mirrors God’s own conversation with humanity.
“Being Catholic provides the very framework needed to listen to others,” the facilitators noted, emphasising that a secure home base in Christ allows for deeper, more honest engagement with those of different traditions.
The formation moved from high theology into the “Dialogue of Life” – the practical, everyday interactions that define the Rooty Hill campus. With a student body representing a rich tapestry of Muslim, Hindu, and various Christian traditions, among others, the staff explored real-world scenarios, including prayer spaces specific to students of different faiths, liturgical sensitivity for students who may feel conflicted regarding participation in Lenten liturgies, and leadership support, assisting staff from different faith backgrounds in navigating the leadership of Catholic prayer.
Staff practiced the art of “asking, not telling”, shifting classroom dynamics away from assumptions toward respectful inquiry.
The legacy of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s landmark declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions, served as a cornerstone for the day. Teachers were reminded that the Church formally instructs the faithful to look for God’s presence in other traditions, recognising that they “often reflect a ray of Truth which enlightens all men”.
This both/and approach allows St Agnes to hold firm to the fullness of Truth in the Gospel while simultaneously honouring the diverse religious journeys of its students.
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The impact of the workshop was designed to permeate every corner of the school. In Science and Mathematics, for example, staff were encouraged to highlight the contributions of diverse faith thinkers. In Pastoral care, the focus shifted to how a student’s faith identity impacts their fundamental sense of belonging.
By moving away from “Us and Them” language toward a unified “We”, St Agnes High School is demonstrating that diversity is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be integrated. Supported by the diocese and the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, the school continues to model how a Catholic community can be a peaceful weaving of many threads in a modern world.
The formation day at St Agnes directly reflects the Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church (2024–2028), such as recognition of shared space, a culture of listening, and commitment to the margins. By integrating these synodal priorities, St Agnes High School is not just hosting a workshop; it is living out the specific vision of the Church in Western Sydney, building a community where every thread of faith contributes to a stronger, more peaceful tapestry.
Kim Chong is the Media and Community Liaison Officer at the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations.
This formation day reflects the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Listening, Dialogue and Discernment. Visit Synodality to learn more.
