Faith & Mission 

TOGETHER IN MERCY

Welcome to the faith journey of the 165th year of the Academy.  As part of my work, I write a small reflection for each parent newsletter. Typically, the reflections are based on the readings from the Sunday masses. Sometimes they are based on topical events or memorial days.

This first reflection comes from the deep well of ideas that our 2022 College theme evokes.  Together in Mercy! Three simple words that can draw us into a profound reflection upon wellbeing in the midst of a pandemic, the function of community, the purpose of schooling, the importance of family and so much more. The student leaders who came up with this theme are challenging all in the Academy community to think about, and act upon, the behaviours that build ‘togetherness’. 

They are also challenging us to see how our understanding of Mercy is so intimately connected with our desire to build community. In the Catholic heritage of our College, Mercy finds its true place in our relationship with God.  The word ‘catholic’ means ‘universal’. The Catholic heritage that the Academy proclaims is an invitation to every member of our community to share in a journey towards truth. 

An interesting reality, that is relevant to this idea of a shared journey, is that in the Gospels, Jesus asks many more questions than he answers. To be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 questions of which he only answers THREE. 

The Christian tradition, that our College seeks to place at the centre of all we do, is based on invitation.  More specifically, invitation to relationship. In the words of Jesus, we are called to ‘have life, and have it to the full’.  Ritually, we celebrate the Catholic heritage of our College through regular morning prayer, through Tuesday morning class Masses, through year level Retreat days and through whole school Masses to recognize key moments in the College year.  Practically, there are opportunities for staff and students to live out their faith through the work of the College Justice group.

Importantly, our College wellbeing policies and Learning and Teaching policies seek to give expression to our Mercy values of respect, justice, service, hospitality, compassion and courage.

I look forward to joining with all members of our College community in our faith journey of 2022.

Mr Mark Hyland

Director of Faith and Mission