Catholic Identity

2025 Diocesan Theme
Pilgrims of Hope: Embracing the Jubilee Year 2025

Celebrating the Care of Creation ~

As we journey through the Season of Creation, our students have been engaging in special projects to deepen their connection with God and creation. Our Upper Students are pictured below.

This week, our Prep students reminded us of the beauty and wonder of God’s creation and the important role we all play in caring for it. As part of our celebration of the Season of Creation, our youngest learners led the school community in prayer, prompting us to pause and reflect on how we can be stewards of our common home.

They shared their voices and hearts through Andrew Chinn’s beautiful Rainbow Song, using sign language to include everyone in the message of hope and care. Their confidence and reverence were inspiring, what a powerful way to witness to our faith and learn from our youngest members!

We are so proud of our Preps for leading us in prayer and reminding us that we are all called to live out Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for creation.

2025 ~ 2026 Sacramental Program

Sacrament of Reconciliation:

Thank you to all our candidates and their families who participated in our Parish's Sacramental Enrolment Masses last weekend. As we embark on this Sacramental journey together, may the Holy Spirit guide and bless each of our candidates, their families, and the wider parish community as we continue to grow in faith and commitment to our Catholic identity.

Our Adult Faith Development Evening is on Thursday, October 16th ~ in the St. Mel's Parish House Gathering Room.

If you were unable to make our information night or enrolment Mass, please see Mel Shiels at the Parish Office or Danae Napier at St. Mel's Primary School if you would like an information pack.

"Go forth and set the world on fire"
St Ignatius of Loyola

ASHE Fest ~ Celebrating Culture Together

Some of our students had an incredible day at the ASHE Fest last week, joining with schools from across the region to celebrate and experience Indigenous culture. The day began with a powerful and moving Smoking Ceremony, setting the tone for a rich cultural experience. Students enjoyed a variety of activities, from traditional Indigenous games and crafts to face painting, all while building friendships with students from other schools. It was a day filled with learning, connection, and fun, as we deepened our appreciation for the rich heritage of our First Nations people.

Actions speak louder than words, let your words teach and your actions speak”

Saint Anthony of Padua

Raising awareness & funds for Catholic Missions ~

Annual Supporter/Footy Colours Coin Line & Come dressed in your favourite sport/sporting team Day!

Thank you to all our students, families, and staff for making our Annual Footy Colours Coin Line and "Come Dressed in Your Favourite Sport/Sporting Team" Supporters Day such a success! Your participation helped us raise much-needed funds for Catholic Missions, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together for a day filled with joy and school spirit on the last day of term.

We raised close to $300 for Catholic Missions, with the Richmond Football Club Supporters raising the most money on the day and having the longest coin line, their theme song was played over the PA to celebrate. Well done to all involved!

Open our HEARTS up to the world & be COMPASSIONATE!

Pope Francis

Upcoming ~ October ~ Month of the Rosary

Each year, the month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, with the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary being celebrated on October 7th, our first Tuesday back Term 4. The Rosary is a powerful and meditative prayer helping us to reflect on key moments in the life of Jesus.

Do you have a set of Rosary beads or prayer beads at home? Perhaps they hold a special story or tradition within your family?

In my own family, the Rosary has always been a meaningful part of our lives. I still remember the first set of Rosary beads I received from my Nan as a child. As a family, we would often gather to pray the Rosary, whether it was on long road trips or at Nan’s house during family visits. The act of praying together not only deepened our faith but also strengthened our bonds as a family.

The Rosary beads pictured here were a special gift from a dear friend who brought them for me from the Vatican in Rome. What makes them even more significant is that they have been blessed by Pope Benedict. These beads, like many others around the world in many religions, are a symbol of faith, love, and tradition, passed down through generations and carrying with them the prayers and hopes of countless people.

This coming October, I invite you to rediscover the beauty of the Rosary, whether in a quiet moment of personal reflection or as a shared prayer with your family. Let us take this time to honour Mary, reflect on the life of Jesus, and strengthen our spiritual journey together.

Feel free to send in your stories and pictures of your Rosary beads or Prayer beads.

Mungo Immersion ~ the Meeting Place Reflection

Due to Tuesday’s wet weather, we have had to postpone our Mungo Reflection and Pilgrimage with staff. This is part of our professional faith journey, and I am looking forward to using our outdoor spaces to share the story of Mungo, its deep significance, and to reflect on our own St. Mel’s story together as a staff community.

This pilgrimage will invite us to slow down, listen, and reflect on the ancient stories of the land, the wisdom of our First Nations peoples, and the ways our Catholic faith calls us to walk with hope as pilgrims today. Mungo means “meeting place,” and that is exactly what this pilgrimage is for us:a meeting place between the ancient stories of the land,the wisdom of our First Nations people,and our own St. Mel’s story of faith, learning, and community.

I can’t wait to share this encounter with our staff (and with you all!) Next term I will share photos, reflections, and moments from our pilgrimage so that we can all pause, listen, and be inspired by the beauty of creation, the power of story, and the presence of God walking with us on the journey.