SURSUM CORDA | LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS
CATHOLIC IDENTITY
The Sacred Heart Difference
At Sacred Heart, Religious Education is central to who we are as a Catholic school.
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Grounded in the mission of the Church and guided by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), our Religious Education curriculum invites students into a deep and living encounter with the person of Jesus Christ, the teachings of the Catholic tradition, and the life of the Church community.
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Our Religious Education program is designed to nurture spiritual growth, moral understanding and active discipleship. Students engage with rich, age-appropriate learning that explores Scripture, the nature and mission of the Church, Catholic beliefs about God and life, prayer and sacramental practice, and the call to justice and compassion in the world.
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Learning in Religious Education at Sacred Heart is more than academic study – it supports students to think deeply, respond thoughtfully, and participate meaningfully in their faith and the wider community. Through prayer, liturgy, reflection and practical action, students are encouraged to make connections between faith, life and the world around them.
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Our curriculum reflects MACS’s commitment to contemporary and engaging Religious Education that builds both knowledge and personal faith, grounded in the Catholic tradition and responsive to the needs of young learners in a diverse and changing world.
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As a school community, we celebrate key moments of the Church’s liturgical year, sacramental life in partnership with our parish, and opportunities for prayer and reflection that help shape students’ faith journeys and deepen their sense of belonging in the Catholic community.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM
At Sacred Heart, our Religious Education (RE) curriculum nurtures students’ spiritual growth, moral understanding and sense of purpose. Students engage with age-appropriate learning that explores Scripture, Catholic beliefs, the nature and mission of the Church, prayer, and sacramental practice. The program encourages students to reflect on their faith, make thoughtful decisions, and act with compassion, justice, and service in their daily lives. Through classroom learning, prayer, liturgy, and practical experiences, students are supported to connect their learning with real-life faith and community involvement.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
At Sacred Heart, students are invited to participate in our Sacramental Program, preparing for and celebrating key milestones in their faith journey. These include: •Reconciliation (Year 2) •First Eucharist (Year 3) •Confirmation (Year 5/6, alternating years) The program is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the sacraments, strengthen their personal faith, and foster a meaningful connection with the Church community. Through guided preparation, prayer, reflection, and support from families and parish leaders, students are encouraged to experience these significant moments as a living expression of their Catholic identity. Our Sacramental Program is delivered in close partnership with the Sacred Heart parish, ensuring students and families are supported every step of the way in their spiritual growth and celebration of these milestones.
PARISH
OUR PARISH Sacred Heart Parish is a warm and welcoming faith community that plays an integral role in the life of our school. First declared the parish of Diamond Creek in 1914, Sacred Heart is now part of the Combined Parishes of St Mary’s Greensborough and St Thomas the Apostle Greensborough North. The parish is overseen by Parish Priest Fr Steven Rigo, supported by Assistant Priest Fr Zaher Al Mhanna, and offers a rich and inclusive sacramental life. This includes Baptism, Reconciliation, First Eucharist (Communion), Confirmation, Marriages and Funerals, as well as the celebration of feast days, special liturgies, Christmas Eve Family Mass, Christmas Day Mass, children’s liturgy, and regular weekday and weekend Masses. School-Parish Partnership We are proud of the strong and meaningful connection we enjoy between our school and parish, which enriches our wider community. A highlight of this partnership is our Bridging Generations program, where Year 5/6 students build relationships with parishioners through letter writing and shared gatherings throughout the year. These connections foster mutual respect, understanding and a deep sense of belonging, bringing our faith to life across generations. Mass Times - Sacred Heart Church, 25 Gipson Street, Diamond Creek • Wednesday: 9.15am • Friday: 9.15am • Sunday: 9am
SCHOOL MASSES
They provide students with opportunities to come together as a school community to pray, reflect and celebrate the liturgical seasons, feast days and special occasions.  Masses are held regularly throughout the year and are led in partnership with our parish priests, fostering a strong connection between the school and Sacred Heart Parish. Families are warmly invited to join these celebrations, strengthening the sense of community and shared faith across the school. School Masses may include: • New Term Welcome Masses • Year Level Masses • Feast Day and Holy Day celebrations • End of Year Mass & Year 6 Graduation Mass • Anointing of the Sick, a special sacrament for students, staff or family members who are unwell, asking God’s blessing and comfort Through participation in school Masses, students experience the richness of Catholic worship, grow in faith, and celebrate milestones within the school and parish community.
