Year 12 students across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains have been given a virtual blessing by Bishop Vincent as their HSC exams begin.
After a tumultuous five months, and the postponement of their final exams by a month, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, sent a message of hope to students during Catholic Youth Parramatta’s LIFTED HSC Livestream on Sunday. The livestream was broadcast on the Catholic Youth Parramatta’s Facebook page.
“Your journey this year has been nothing anyone has ever experienced,” Bishop Vincent said.
“You have provided us all with the will to keep going. You have truly led the way for us all with your resilience, your persistence and your determination.
“These Christ-like characteristics, no doubt, will be attributes you carry with you throughout your life, but will be most important in the coming days and weeks,” he said.
Students were also given encouraging words and prayers from their local parish priests and fellow Year 12 students.
This past weekend, alongside the livestream, some parishes held special Masses where parishioners showed their support for students and their families. Other parishes spread their well wishes and prayers to students via parish bulletins and Facebook pages.
“In the moments before each exam begins, can I ask that you take a breath, be still and remember that you are in the presence of God,” Bishop Vincent said.
“I wish you the best of luck in these coming days. All of my prayers are with you, as are our entire Diocesan community.”
A Parish HSC Prayer
Heavenly Father, we bring before you our HSC students.
Give them the gifts of wisdom, right judgement, knowledge and courage.
Bless them with calm hearts and clarity of mind as they sit for their exams.
May they be affirmed in their efforts and may they know that you are there with them.
We pray that they will stay calm under pressure and work to the best of their ability.
May they feel your loving presence in their lives, now and always, and may they be strengthened by the prayerful support of us, their parish community.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
The Diocese of Parramatta wishes all Year 12 students across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains all the best for their HSC exams. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rewatch the CYP HSC Livestream here or below.
