Fifty-two students from across Sydney’s Catholic secondary schools have been presented with the Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence, recognising their contributions to faith, leadership and service in their school and parish communities.
Recipients from both systemic and congregational colleges were celebrated for a shared commitment to living out the Gospel through action on the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin in St Mary’s Cathedral Hall on 8 September.
Guests included New South Wales Premier Chris Minns MP and Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools Danielle Cronin, along with clergy, staff and proud family and friends from across the Catholic school communities.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presented the awards to each student, commenting in his introduction that it was a joy to “recognise and congratulate the leadership and witness our award-winners have given, along with so many other young people in our schools”.
Many awardees serve in their parishes as altar servers, readers, catechists, musicians, youth group leaders and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
In addition, they take on prominent leadership roles at their schools such as college or liturgy captains, faith or social justice leaders in St Vincent de Paul Society’s Vinnies Van and Night Patrol programs, Project Compassion and the Sydney Catholic Schools’ 10:10 Project, and other outreach work.
Other students were recognised for visiting aged care residents, mentoring younger peers, supporting sacramental preparation programs, or sustaining years-long commitments to their local parish community.
All Saints Catholic College student Patrick Field was awarded for his dedication as College Ministry Leader, supporting students in their liturgical life and engaging in faith formation through weekly participation in ‘Be the Light’ sessions, community prayer, Mass and leading the recitation of the Rosary.
“I was very pleased because I had put in a lot of effort to live out my faith at the parish and at school,” said Patrick, who serves at parishes in Moorebank, Holsworthy, Liverpool and Casula.
“It was nice to have teachers, the principal, and priests from school and the parish come and support me and I was excited to meet the archbishop and to be congratulated by His Grace for my efforts.”
Outside of school, Patrick serves during processions and volunteers at numerous parish and archdiocesan events such as the annual Our Lady of Fatima procession at St Mary’s Cathedral.
Fellow recipient Daniel Andrews was praised for his exceptional faith leadership at St Mary’s Cathedral College, participating in school Masses and Rosaries and visiting the junior and middle school classes to lead morning prayer.
He is also a catechist at Plunkett Street Public School and is involved in the Matthew Talbot Hostel ministry.
“It was a very eye-opening experience receiving the award because as I was sitting there and listening to what other young Catholic adults have accomplished,” Daniel said.
“It’s very nice to know that the faith is alive and young people are committed to improving the lives of others and living out the Gospel to others.”
In his homily at a prayer service following the awards, Archbishop Fisher spoke of St Paul, who shared not just words of faith but lived them, and Christ’s mother Mary, who put her heart, soul and body into doing God’s work.
“As we honour your achievements on Mary’s birthday, we ask for something of her clarity and courage for each of you,” said His Grace.
“Keep developing your gifts and applying them well.
“Wherever he puts you in the years ahead, give yourselves to God and neighbour.
“Let your already-flowering lives bear fruit as truly Good News for our world.”
