Faith and Mission

Over the last week, our John XXIII College community has marked significant events that invite reflection on our heritage, our mission, our community and our shared future.

On 19 July, Loreto schools across Australia commemorated Loreto Heritage Day, recognising the arrival of the Loreto Sisters in Australia in 1895. Led by Mother Gonzaga Barry, these pioneering women brought a commitment to education, faith, and social responsibility that continues to shape the identity of Loreto schools today.  We acknowledge the vision and perseverance of these women and the legacy they have entrusted to us, one that calls us to honour the past, engage with the present, and shape the future with purpose.

If you would like to read more about the Loreto sisters' 150 years in Australia, you can do so here: Loreto sisters celebrate 150 years in Australia | Melbourne Catholic.

At the start of Term 3, staff took part in a two-day conference focused on the theme 'Inspiring Hope and Excellence.'

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB opened the conference and spoke to the staff about the importance of remaining open to the deep questions of life and faith that arise in our work as a Catholic school. Drawing on Romans 12:2, he encouraged us to avoid complacency, explicitly and deliberately make room for the God questions and to continually ask how our actions and teachings align with our faith and mission.

On Day 2, Dr Nici Sweaney, founder of Ai Her Way spoke about the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in education. She encouraged the ethical use of technology that supports the common good,  cura personalis—care for the whole person—and raised important questions about equity and access.

As we reflect on all we’ve experienced, we also pause to hold in prayer Kate Wagner and her family during this difficult time. In the spirit of community, we offer the following prayer:

God of all gentleness,​

in her earthly life, you embraced Kate with your gentle love. ​

You entrusted Kate to the John XXIII College family ​

where she could grow in age, wisdom, skills and friendships.​

​

Look upon us in this time of sadness and gratitude. ​

Kate’s life was completed in such a short time, ​

yet she reflected your goodness by giving so much to others: ​

her enthusiasm, kindness, beautiful smile and welcoming nature…​

​

May Kate now flourish, forever young, ​

in your loving presence,​

where there will be no sorrow, no weeping, no illness,​

only light and peace and joy.​

​

Look upon our College community:​

wipe away our tears, ​

give us courage as we hold memories of Kate in our hearts,​

and fill us with hope and strength as we begin this new semester. Amen. ​

In all things, may we continue to draw inspiration from our heritage, respond thoughtfully to the challenges of our time, and walk forward together as people of faith, hope and justice.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

Thursday 31 July is the date of our next Community Mass. It is the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola and Loyola House will be preparing the Mass. 

As there are some minor changes during Term 3, please refer to the following table:

If you would like to volunteer, or have any questions about Community Mass, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley: mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au

Community Mass details

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

Sacraments

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

• Your parish priest or Sacrament Coordinator
• John XXIII College website
• The Archdiocesan website: Parishes & Mass Times
• Mary-Anne Lumley  or via phone on 
• (08) 9383 0513

Good News for 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel is from Joe Tedesco. Joe is involved in teaching Theology at the university of Notre Dame. 

We are all probably familiar with young children when they have their minds set on something, and how a refusal from their parents to that desire can be met with endless asking: 

‘Can we have ice cream mum?’ 

‘No, not this time.’ 

‘Please mum.’

 ‘No.’ 

‘Come on, we haven’t had ice cream for ages.’

 ‘I know, but not today.’

 ‘But you said ‘not today’ last week. Please!’ 

‘No.’ 

And on it can go, until one or the other gives in (my experience is children in this situation can display uncanny stamina in the asking).

The point is that this exchange only happens between children and those with whom they have some relationship of trust. In normal situations, strangers are never exposed to such constant asking. But we love our children and our children know that the love of a parent brings good things, including, at times, ice cream. 

God wants us to relate to God as a child to a loving parent. A parent who always wants the best for their children. We often can think that we are powerless in the face of ‘an almighty God.’ But that is not the sort of relationship God wills to have with God’s people. When the followers of Jesus ask him to show them how to pray, Jesus starts with how to address God, simply ‘father’ (Gk: patēr). It is familial, simple and unpretentious. What then follows is much of what we now call ‘the Lord’s prayer’ or the ‘Our Father’. What is particularly interesting in Luke’s version is the disciples seem prompted to ask Jesus how to pray after witnessing Jesus engaged in prayer first. They want something of what Jesus has. They are witnessing the deep relationship between Jesus and God and they want to be part of it – not simply to ‘look on’. Jesus effectively says, you have what I have by talking to God as a loving parent, because that is what God is. 

There are many images that we have in attempting to capture the infinite nature of God. However, our readings remind us that the most fundamental approach we should have to God is that based on God as a loving parent. Thus, Jesus encourages us to ask exactly as a child does. The short parable that follows the words of prayer says not to take no for an answer no less! Why? Does God change God’s mind? Maybe, maybe not. God is God so any changing of mind is something happening from our perspective only. God is outside of time and so any ‘change of mind of God’ is anticipated on a cosmological scale by God’s self. 

The aim of the readings is not an attempt to provide a philosophical construct of the mind of God. The point is that God is relational. God wants to be in loving relationship with us, all of us, all of the time and God wants that relationship to be honest and engaging. Part of that is putting our cares and concerns to God. Our readings remind us that God does listen to us. Better than even the best parent wanting the best for their children ever could. © Joe Tedesco.

Considering the Gospel in the light of this week’s 150th anniversary of the Loreto Sisters in Australia, we could also be reminded of Mary Ward’s own loving relationship to God, whom she addressed as:

‘O Parent of parents, and Friend of all friends’.

TONIGHT! 

Floreat/Wembley parish warmly invites the John XXIII College community to an evening with Brother Olly Pickett AM, 2025 Senior Australian of the Year and 2025 West Australian of the Year.

Brother Olly will be sharing his inspiring stories from a 27-year journey of service, during which he has dedicated his life to helping disadvantaged children through the gift of mobility. His efforts have changed thousands of lives - one wheelchair at a time.

This presentation is a powerful message about compassion, resilience, and the impact of selfless service. Brother Olly’s story is a testament to how one person can make a lasting difference in the world.

Friday 25th July, 2025

Doors Open at 6:30pm, talk begins at 7:00pm

Newman College Champagnat Chapel - 216 Empire Ave, Churchlands

https://www.trybooking.com/DDCHI