Faith and Mission

Next week, we are invited to join the global Church in celebrating Laudato Si’ Week, beginning on Sunday, 17 May. Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home, is Pope Francis’ call to gratitude, responsibility and hope as we respond to the gift of creation.

At the heart of Laudato Si’ is a simple yet important message. The earth is God’s gift to us, and we are called to care for it with love. Pope Francis reminds us that creation is interconnected. What we do to the earth impacts the poor, future generations and all living things. Caring for our common home is not an optional extra. It is a dimension of our faith and our response to the Gospel.

Laudato Si’ highlights several key themes. Gratitude to God for the beauty and abundance of creation. Care for the poor and vulnerable who are most affected by environmental harm. A call to ecological conversion, inviting us to reflect on our lifestyles and make choices that promote justice, sustainability and the common good. Hope, grounded in the belief that small actions, when shared, can bring about meaningful change.

Pope Francis also speaks with respect about Indigenous peoples and their deep relationship with the land. In Laudato Si’ he notes that Indigenous communities often show a way of living that recognises the land as a gift to be cherished, not a resource to be exploited. The wisdom of listening to the earth, protecting what has been entrusted, and considering the needs of future generations reflects a harmony between people, land and Creator.

Here in Australia, we are invited to learn from the First Peoples of this land, who for tens of thousands of years have demonstrated care, respect and responsibility for Country. Their understanding of connection to land, waters and all living things echoes the call of Laudato Si’ to see creation as sacred and relational. By listening with humility, we can deepen our own commitment to caring for God’s creation.

As a College community, we are all called to take action. This does not require grand gestures. Pope Francis encourages practical and meaningful steps that are within our reach.

As families, we might reduce waste, recycle more thoughtfully and be mindful of water and energy use. We can choose to walk, cycle or share transport when possible. We can pause to give thanks for meals, gardens, beaches and bushland, fostering a spirit of gratitude and respect in our homes.

As school members, we are invited to care for our grounds, reduce litter, support sustainable initiatives and model respect for the environment in daily routines. Small, consistent actions help shape a culture of care and responsibility.

This year, Laudato Si’ Week is also an opportunity to give thanks for our own beautiful campus. For forty years, this land has been a place of learning, community and faith. The trees, open spaces and natural environment enrich our students’ experience and remind us daily of God’s creative presence. As we reflect on this milestone, we are encouraged to honour the past by caring wisely for what has been entrusted to us now and into the future.

May Laudato Si’ Week inspire us to slow down, notice the beauty around us, learn from those who have cared for this land before us, and renew our commitment to be people of competence, conscience and compassion as we care for our common home.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

Thank you to Loreto House for their carefully prepared contribution in today’s liturgy. Next Friday, 22 May, Year 11 students will prepare our Community Mass. Parents and family are very welcome!

Do not be afraid to ask if you have any questions regarding Community Mass. Contact: Mary-Anne Lumley: mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au.

Community Mass details 

• College Chapel
• All welcome!
• Fridays in term time
• Starts at 8:00am; concludes at 8:30am.

Sacraments

Do you have a child in Year 3, 4 or 6?

Families are encouraged to enrol their child in their parish without delay. Next week, many parishes will be closing their enrolments for 2026. The College website has links to sacrament program information from some of our local parishes. 

Students will be preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation in Year 3, First Holy Communion in Year 4 and Confirmation in Year 6. 

Preparing for the sacraments is a three-way collaboration of family, parish and school. This means that parents exercise their right in choosing to enrol their child in the parish; the school provides the learning experiences to prepare the children, and the parish arranges the celebration of the sacrament. Parishes require that students be enrolled.

Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so please don’t hesitate to ask. Below are some useful points of contact: 

• The priest or sacrament coordinator in your local parish
• John XXIII College website
• The Archdiocesan website: Parishes & Mass Times

• Mary-Anne Lumley: mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au  or via phone on 

  08 9383 0513