FAITH MATTERS

World Youth Day- Preparing for Portugal

In July of this year, students Grace Doherty, Anna Whiting and myself will be heading to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day 2023. 

World Youth Day (WYD) is an international event in the Catholic Church, which occurs every three to four years. Young people from all around the world have the opportunity to see the Pope, receive faith formation and gather together through music, the Sacraments and Fellowship.

Through the support of the Catholic Parish of Holy Family Northeast Mallee and the Diocese of Ballarat, the students and I will be heading with the Archdiocese of Melbourne Pilgrimage Group to join 582 other pilgrims. 

Our first ‘Pilgrim Gathering’ occurred on Sunday, 30th April, where pilgrims found out about “World Youth Day Week,” chatted with people in their pilgrimage groups and met small group leaders and support staff. 

It was a very exciting day, and we look forward to the upcoming pilgrim formation sessions ahead! 

Year 7 Reflection Day

Our Year 7 students experienced their first Reflection Day on Thursday, 4th May, at The Grain Shed. The theme for the day was ‘Friendship,’ which was inspired by the verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “encourage one another and build each other up.” It was an opportunity for students to reflect on the qualities of a good friend and how to enact virtue in friendship. 

Students participated in a variety of games, activities and considered which friendships have played a critical role in their lives. A highlight for many students were the rotations they took part in, which were led by staff. These activities focused on team building, cooperation, problem solving and communication. Students had the opportunity to learn more about St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (the patroness of our College), and were invited to pray to God.

Special thanks to the fantastic staff who facilitated the day, including Jeremy Wood, Sheelagh Leary, Maria Salvo, Marcus Jetson, Jesse McDonald, Roslyn McKenzie and Yvonne Kelley. 

Professional Learning: Leadership for Mission in a Catholic School 

At present, I am completing the final day of my intensive course of “Leadership for Mission in a Catholic School'' at Catherine McAuley College (Coolock Campus, Bendigo), facilitated by Yarra Theological College. 

Building off our previous content, Reverend Associate Professor Michael A Kelly CSsR unpacked Pope Francis’ work, ‘Gaudete et Exsultate’ (Rejoice and be Glad), linking it to Christian leadership in Catholic Schools. It’s a deep encouragement for humankind to grow in holiness, and to take inspiration from people who are saint-like in our lives. 

A highlight was discussing how Catholic schools can better develop faith leaders through staff faith formation. Whilst academic endeavours are important in educational institutions, what distinguishes a Catholic school is that we prioritise and invest in nurturing the whole character of our staff and students, inspired by the example of Jesus Christ. 

Special thanks to the Missionary Sisters of Service for sponsoring my attendance to this subject.