FAITH MATTERS

Celebrating the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

This week, our school community came together to celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop — a woman of deep faith, courage, and compassion whose legacy continues to inspire us today. As Australia’s first saint and the foundress of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Mary MacKillop dedicated her life to education, service, and standing with those in need.

Our celebrations were filled with joy, reflection and community spirit. Earlier in the week, students enjoyed delicious hot jam donuts and had fun wearing their pyjamas to school — a cosy reminder of Mary’s message to live simply and care deeply. The LRC also hosted colouring activities focused on Mary’s values, allowing students to engage creatively with her story.

One of the week's highlights was the friendly and energetic Staff vs Students basketball game, where mutual encouragement and plenty of laughs showcased the best of our community spirit. Our Year 10 students took Mary’s example of service to heart, spending a day making a real difference — visiting the elderly residents at HOPE Aged Care and lending a helping hand in the Year 1, 2 and 3 classrooms at St Mary’s Primary School.

Today we gathered as a full school for a special Mass, honouring St Mary MacKillop’s unwavering trust in God and commitment to unity and justice. This afternoon’s walkathon added another layer of community connection, giving us the chance to walk in solidarity with one another.

This week also reminded us of our school theme for the year — Mutual Respect — and the truth in the words: “Great is the strength we possess in our unity.” As we continue to learn and grow together, may we follow Mary MacKillop’s example of seeing and responding to the needs around us, always with respect, kindness and faith.

HAPPY FEAST DAY!

Mary MacKillop Prayer 

God of the Pilgrim, Mary MacKillop trusted your guidance in her journey of life and deepened her confidence in Your will. May we renew our trust in Your providence to lead us to hope as we bring our prayer before You. May we grow in the fullness of Your love and the depth of Your mystery. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Way, our Truth and our Life. 

Amen.

Jesus light of the world, guide us

St Joseph, journey with us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Mission