Director of Faith and Mission

SECONDARY RETREATS

Last week Years 7-10 were involved in a series of Retreats led by The Youth Ministry Team. The themes of the days included Knowing God, Relationships, and Social Justice. The program included games, small and large group discussions, prayer and reflection, dramatisations and pizza for lunch! The YMT leaders did an amazing job connecting with the students. Their ability to quickly identify and encourage those who needed extra support was wonderful, ensuring that every student felt special and included. The feedback has been very positive, and we look forward to October 2025!

EUCHARIST

First Eucharist Celebration for Year 4 Students

On Sunday, 20th October twenty-one of our Year 4 students gathered with their families, teachers, and friends to celebrate a very special milestone: their First Eucharist. The church was filled with joy and anticipation as each candidate participated in this sacred sacrament for the first time.The ceremony was beautiful, and the children approached the moment with great reverence and respect. Each candidate showed heartfelt presence throughout, making the occasion meaningful and special for everyone there.  A special thank you goes out to the teachers and Father Ashkar who helped prepare the students for this significant step in their faith journey. Congratulations to our Year 4 First Eucharist candidates – may this celebration be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Eucharist and our faith community!

POPE DECLARES 27th OCTOBER DAY of PEACE

Pope Francis declared 27th October as a day of penance and prayer for peace in our world.  He invited all Christians, members of other religions and all who hold the cause of peace in the world at heart to participate.  As a College we held Peace Prayers in our classrooms to start the week.  

A Prayer for Peace in October 

God of peace and healing, 

We hold out to you the agony of your world and ask that your Holy Spirit may work wonders, reaching past our bruises to renew our inmost being.  

We are deeply afflicted.  

For a year, your children have been at war.  

The suffering in the Middle East has been indescribable. 

During this past year, we have been pained by wars throughout the world, in Sudan, Ukraine, Israel and now Iran.

Why does this happen? Why don’t we ever learn? 

We have nowhere to turn but to you, who loved us to the death of your son and who loves us still.  

Hear our lament as we stand with Mary at the foot of the cross of Jesus.  

May your kingdom come, a kingdom of peace, justice and love.  

We pray this with burning hearts, 

Amen.

Rochelle Gough

rochelle.gough@smseymour.catholic.edu.au