DIRECTOR OF FAITH & MISSION
PROJECT COMPASSION
Project Compassion boxes like the one pictured at left have been placed in Homerooms, pastoral care rooms, our Enright Library, both canteens, and both campus front reception areas.
During the Season of Lent, we take part in Caritas Australia's Project Compassion, raising funds to help create real, lasting change for vulnerable communities around the world.
Any support you can offer will help transform lives by increasing access to clean water, education, healthcare, vital emergency support, and more. Unite Against Poverty with us this Lent and help build a brighter future for all.
You are welcome to donate either by placing coin donations in the money boxes across the college, or click on this link:
https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraisers/stjosephscollege
YEARS 11 AND 12 COMMUNITY SERVICE
Students in Years 11 and 12 should now be working towards completing their 20 hours of community service.
Copies of the QR codes to log hours are available in the library and common rooms.
Students are encouraged to volunteer their time with non-for-profit organisations, assist in the community, and be of service to others as part of their VCE Religious Education program.
SHROVE TUESDAY AND ASH WEDNESDAY
On Tuesday 17 February, the Mercy Action Group sold pancakes at lunch to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. This was our initial fundraising event for Project Compassion. The students raised more than $170. (At $1 per pancake, that is quite a few pancakes!)
On Wednesday 18 February, staff and students met for a brief liturgy where ashes were distributed to mark the beginning of Lent. The ashes are a reminder that we are invited to repent for our sins. During Lent, we are encouraged to pray, give to those in need, and fast or go without something that is important to us.
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR MASS
On Thursday 19 February, our college community gathered to celebrate the Beginning of the Year Mass.
This is the 120th year since the Sisters of Mercy commenced Catholic education in Mildura. These years of continuous service to the Sunraysia district have come through schools at Mildura, Red Cliffs, Wentworth, and Merbein.
In our Mass we pray that St Joseph’s College will continue the great tradition of the Sisters of Mercy in Sunraysia and, with pride and gratitude, remember the dedicated work of the Sisters of Mercy’s since 1906.
The college's theme for 2026 is Hospitality. We pray that our relationship with God and others, particularly those who are in need of companionship, friendship and connection, will be strengthened. We also know that we each have an opportunity to start the year with our best efforts to achieve success and happiness in our school community. This year, we are called to welcome the stranger, share our gifts and talents with others, and work on our relationship with Christ.
Take a look at a selection of photos from the Mass.
Ms Rebecca Garreffa
Directory of Faith & Mission