Mission and Identity
From the Mission and Identity Team
Our Liturgical Life
Celebrating three significant Feast days in the last two weeks has provided us with meaningful opportunities for reflection, unity, and spiritual growth.
Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6)
On August 6, we observed the Transfiguration of the Lord with a special Mass led by the year 4 cohort. Celebrated by Fr Chris Jenkins, this feast highlighted Jesus’ divine glory and reminded us of the transformative power of His presence in our lives. The celebration was a moving experience for all.
Feast of St. Mary Of the Cross MacKillop (August 8)
On August 8, we had the honour of celebrating the Feast of St. Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. Our special Liturgy, led by the Prayer Leaders, held in the JS Hall was a heartfelt tribute to her dedication to education and service. Her inspiring legacy continues to guide and motivate us in our daily lives.
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary (August 15)
This week celebrated the Assumption of Mary, a feast that commemorates Mary’s entry into Heaven. The Assumption has been celebrated since the early centuries of the Church, and it was formally defined as a dogma of the Catholic faith by Pope Pius XII in 1950. The feast is a time for Catholics to gather in prayer, celebrate Mary’s role, and express their devotion through liturgical ceremonies. We thank Year 5 Gold for leading us in a beautiful, reverent liturgy in honour of Mary.
The following morning, celebrated in our beautiful Chapel, Year 3 students helped us to reflect on Mary’s role in our faith and to draw inspiration from her example of grace and devotion. We thank Fr Chris Jenkins for his insightful words on this significant Feast.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the parents who joined us for these recent liturgies. Your presence and participation greatly enriched these celebrations and fostered a strong sense of community. Your support and involvement make a meaningful difference in our collective spiritual journey.
Isabelle Roberts REC (R-6)
College Liturgist
Year 9 Reflection Day
Our Year 9 Cohort spent last Tuesday at the Monastery on their reflection day. Reflection days offer our students a chance to spend time together away from the normal school say to be together in a faith-filled way.
The theme for the day was our value for the year – Sincerity. The students took part in activities that allowed them to wonder how the value can be applied to their lives and in particular their relationship with others and God.
The students explored the idea of wearing masks to hide their true selves, and with self-acceptance they can ‘let their light shine’ and be truly who they are mean to be.
Year 12 Sleep Out for Catherine House
The inscription on Mary Ward’s headstone reads “To love the poor, persevere in the same, live, die and rise with them was all the aim of Mary Ward.” This inscription calls us as a community to act for justice, wherever and whenever we see a need. It also calls us to act in solidarity in support of those who may need us to be a voice for them.
With that in mind, our Year 12 students will host the Year 12 Sleep Out, to show Solidarity for those experiencing homelessness.
By applying the Catholic Social Teachings of Preferential Option for the Poor and Solidarity, the students will hold the overnight event designed to raise awareness and show solidarity for individuals experiencing homelessness who may need the support of organisations like Catherine House.
The students have asked the Senior School community to donate items from the Catherine House ‘Wish List’. Our Wishlist - Catherine House
Why is this showing acts of advocacy important for our students?
For young people, applying the CST that they learn about is crucial because it nurtures values like empathy and compassion, which are essential for building a just and harmonious society. Through this application the students are recognising the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The Catholic Social Teachings call our students to go further than showing sympathy; it involves taking concrete steps to alleviate suffering and address injustice. Just like Mary Ward said, inspiring our students to be ‘doers of Justice’.
In a world often driven by self-interest and social media, Catholic Social Teachings reminds our young people of the importance of community and mutual responsibility. By applying these teachings, they not only develop empathy and compassion but also contribute to a world where every person is valued and respected.
Ms Martina O'Connell
Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity