Faith Formation
and Mission













Mater Dei Catholic College
Faith Formation
and Mission
Year 12 Retreat Class of 2027
Students had an unforgettable experience at their recent Year 12 Retreat at Warrambui. Below are some reflections of their time:


Jed Cox - Retreat was a great chance for everyone in Year 12 to get to know each other better and brought us closer together through competition and dance. Retreat also let us get to know the teachers better.


James O'Rourke - The Year 12 Retreat enabled everyone to come closer together as a group as it strengthened everyone's connections with one another. My favorite moment of the retreat was getting to see the letters we wrote to ourselves in Year 7 and seeing how bad my hand writing from back then was definitely shows how far I have grown since Year 7. Overall retreat was a very bittersweet and heart warming experience for the entire cohort.






















































Year 12 2027 Commitment Mass
The Year 12 2027 Commitment Mass was celebrated in Week 1, continuing a cherished College tradition. We thank Fr Grace and Seminarian Patrick Drum for celebrating the Mass, which invited students to reflect, renew their commitment to their studies and faith, and seek God’s guidance for the year ahead.
The Class of 2027 was also officially recognised as the College’s new student leaders. Their badges were blessed by Fr Grace and distributed by Ms Thomas and Mr Ellis, symbolising their leadership responsibilities and the beginning of their journey as role models within our College community.












The Year 12 2027 students pledged their commitment to our community…
Loving God,
Be with us on our journey this year through Year 12.
We pray for Prudence, Justice, Courage, Temperance,
Discipline, Wisdom, Patience, and Understanding.
Help us to grow our hearts and minds
as we face the challenges of each new day.
Send your spirit to guide us as leaders
in our school community.
May we be supportive of our family and friends.
Mater Dei, Mother of God, just as you nurtured Jesus
in his life, so nurture us in ours.
Through Mary, our mother, Amen.
Parish Schools Mass
On Saturday 17 October, the schools of the Sacred Heart Parish came together to lead Saturday Mass, celebrating our wider Catholic community. Our Class of 2027 students represented the College proudly, accompanied by beautiful music from our College musicians.
The Mass also celebrated Fr Grace’s Silver Jubilee. We thank him for his pastoral guidance and congratulate him on this special milestone.






Catholic Mission Month - Socktober
On Friday 30 October, the College celebrated Socktober in support of Catholic Mission, raising funds and awareness for children in Malawi to help improve access to food and education. Students and staff embraced the day by wearing silly socks and coming together to make a difference.
Year 7 students also created soccer balls from recycled materials for the Socktober Shootout, highlighting the challenges faced by children who often play with makeshift balls. Through these activities, our community demonstrated empathy, social justice and the power of collective action.


























All Souls Day Homegroup


On Monday, staff and students held a Homegroup Liturgy to commemorate All Souls' Day, a significant day in the Catholic liturgical calendar. This special occasion gave students and staff the opportunity to remember and pray for the deceased, especially those who have passed away in the past year.
Students were encouraged to find comfort, peace and courage through their faith, and hope in the promise of eternal life. The Peace Garden became a poignant space of remembrance, where staff and students were invited to light a candle and write a short message to be hung on the tree.






Remembrance Day Reflection
The College will pause next Tuesday, 11 November to mark Remembrance Day. This solemn occasion honours the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service of our country.
Christ is our light and he calls us along the road of peace.
Let us take this minute of silence to reflect on the impact of warfare
and pray for peace in our world, land, families, and hearts.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
May the God of peace help us build bridges of peace. Amen.
May the God of love help us spread waves of love. Amen.
May the God of hope help us raise flags of hope. Amen.
Mrs Rebecca Gill | Leader of Faith Formation and Mission