Faith and Mission

On Wednesday, our Year 9 students participated in a Reflection Day exploring the theme of self-image. While the day was designed for our Year 9s, its message is one that speaks to all of us. In a world that often encourages comparison and measures worth by appearance, achievement or popularity, we are reminded of a deeper truth: each person is uniquely created in the image and likeness of God. Our dignity and value do not come from what we do or how others see us, but from who we are as loved children of God.

As an Ignatian school, we seek to find God in all things, particularly in our relationships with others. Every encounter is an opportunity to recognise the presence of God and to affirm the inherent worth of those around us. When we choose kindness, respect, encouragement and compassion, we help others to see themselves as God sees them. In doing so, we build a community where each person feels known, valued and loved.

This spirit was evident on Thursday as we celebrated Ward House Day in the Secondary School. We celebrated the legacy of Mary Ward, a courageous woman whose vision and determination transformed opportunities for girls and women through education. Mary Ward understood the unique dignity and potential of every person and devoted her life to helping others become who God created them to be.

Mary Ward's commitment to justice, dignity and service continues today through the work of Mary Ward International. On Thursday, 20 August, Mary Ward International will hold a special 12 Hour Appeal to help children in Rumbek, South Sudan, access lifesaving vaccinations. While vaccines are provided by the World Health Organisation, trained healthcare workers are needed to deliver them to children living in some of the world's most remote communities. Just $20 can help provide an essential vaccination for one child. Each visit also allows healthcare workers to monitor growth and development, identify health concerns and support families with advice on nutrition and infant care.

For this special appeal, every donation will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous donor, up to $25,000, doubling the impact of every gift. As a community inspired by Mary Ward's vision of being "people of courage, confidence and freedom", we are invited to stand in solidarity with vulnerable children and families and help create hope where it is needed most.

You can support the appeal here: Mary Ward International 12 Hour Appeal.

This Saturday, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Her life is a reminder of what can happen when a person responds wholeheartedly to God's invitation. Through her trust, humility and faithfulness, Mary became a model of discipleship for all Christians. The Assumption reminds us of the hope to which we are called and of God's promise that every human life is precious and destined for fullness with God.

Together, these moments invite us to celebrate the unique gifts God has given each of us, to recognise the Creator's presence in our relationships and to draw inspiration from the witness of Mary Ward and Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

Students in Year 7 will prepare our community liturgy for next Friday, 21 August. Families are warmly invited to Mass and to coffee afterwards in the Circle of Friends. Year 7 parents who are new to the College are especially welcome. 

Thank you to the students in Ward House who so beautifully prepared this morning’s liturgy, where we honoured House patron, Mary Ward. Special thanks also to Fr Edmond Nixon CSsR, who celebrated Eucharist with us. 

Jesuit, Fr Richard Leonard, proposes that this Gospel account tells us of the power of intercessory prayer:

The woman [speaks to Jesus] not for herself but for her daughter. Her faith in Jesus is the vehicle by which someone else’s life is enriched. So too for us. As Christians many of us regularly tell others, whom we know are in need, that we will pray for them. Often these people, some who do not share our faith, are touched by this kindness.

When we make our prayer intercessory, either at home or in the Prayer of the Faithful at Mass, it can be the time when we forget about ourselves and our needs for a while and ask for the needs of someone else, even if we don’t know them. This type of prayer has the possibility of helping us place our lives in context and reminding us that while we have a seat at the world’s table … we are called to raise up all of God’s children to the places of honour which everyone deserves.

Community Mass details 

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