FAITH MATTERS

We are a Catholic school, and as part of identity as a Catholic school, we follow the charism of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (also known as the Josephites). When we talk about the charism of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, we refer to the characteristics of Mary that inspire us to be like her. At St Mary MacKillop College, we recognise our responsibility to carry on the legacy of St Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods. The charism of St Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph is central in shaping the values of our College community: dignity, reverence, respect, compassion, forgiveness and generosity. We embed these values in our daily work.

Mary had reverence for the dignity of others, especially those most neglected from society. Her message for the people of her time was to care for the poor, sick and marginalised and to have respect for everyone. Mary’s motto, ‘never see a need without doing something about it’ became the foundation for her response to need in the community where she educated the poor, cared for the sick, and provided shelter for women and children.

Mary showed compassion for anyone in need, regardless of race, colour or faith. Her legacy of compassion has inspired many Australians to be better people, and to assist those who are less fortunate. 

Mary forgave willingly the Bishop who mistreated her and contributed to her being ex-communicated from the Church. This is shown in the quote, ‘I forgive all who had any part in these matters, and so do we all’. 

Mary was quoted as saying ’God loves generous souls. Let us try to be the generous ones’. She inspires us to better ourselves by giving generously, to live humble lives, regardless of the different situations we find ourselves in. 

The power of Mary’s inspiration is clearly visible today. This is particularly evident in the number of people who visit her tomb at St Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney. Pope Benedict stated at World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008 that ‘Mary MacKillop’s perseverance in the face of adversity, her plea for justice on behalf of those unfairly treated and her practical example of holiness have became a source of inspiration for all’. Mary was guided by a love of God and called to the service of the poor and the marginalised across Australia. Our call to service at St Mary MacKillop College is the education of the students in our community. As a school, we, like Mary, believe education is the way to improve the lives of all Australians, and what Mary did for others, we still must do.

St Mary MacKillop Blessing

Living God,

animating presence in our world,

with gratitude we remember the life of Mary MacKillop,

her influence in our worldand her legacy in our Josephite spiritual homeland.

Inspire us, as her women,

to be fully alive in your mission 

and faithfully kind among your people.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, friend of the poor,

and the Spirit, filling us with confidence.

Amen

(Source: https://www.marymackilloptoday.org.au/what-mary-mackillop-did-for-others-we-still-must-do/)