Religious 

Education News

Feast of Saint Mary Mackillop - 8th August 2024 

On Thursday 8th August, St Francis Xavier will celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop at our 9:15 am Mass. Mary Helen Mackillop dedicated her life to God and took on the name “Mary of the Cross” at the age of twenty-four. She was an ordinary woman, with an extraordinary dream and a big heart. She aimed to give the poorest families and most neglected children access to education and safe shelter by opening schools. 

As a passionate educator and selfless figure, Mary experienced many challenges and hardships, giving up everything to live and teach amongst the people she served. She and the Sisters of Saint Joseph went wherever the need was greatest, and fiercely believed in the power of education to all children regardless of gender, race, faith or wealth.

Today, over 10 years after the recognition of Mary Mackillop’s holy work, we continue to reflect on the qualities and actions that set Mary apart from others. Mary Mackillop works hard to ensure fair access to education for people who have the tools to realise their full potential.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

On Thursday 15th of August, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. This Solemnity is the oldest celebration of Our Lady and is a Holy Day of obligation. The original celebration, known as the “Memory of Mary” or “Falling Asleep” of Mary for it initially centered on the end of her earthly existence, is commonly known as her “dormition.” Soon the name was changed to the “Assumption of Mary,” as there was much more to the feast than the end of her earthly life. The belief that Mary had been taken up, body and soul, into heaven dates to the Apostles.

Mary was a strong, honourable woman, who was faithful to God. She spent her whole life serving God - being the Mother of Jesus, raising Him, believing in Him and with Him at His death on the Cross. The Assumption marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. She is crowned as the Queen of Heaven and is seated at His right hand. Mary takes care of the whole Church and everyone who asks her to intercede. 

While the Blessed Virgin has entered into heavenly glory, Pope Francis states “this does not mean that She is distant or detached from us; the Assumption should bring eternal hope to the faithful… May we not be robbed of hope, because this strength is a grace, a gift from God which carries us forward with our eyes fixed on heaven. Mary is always there… she accompanies them, suffers with them, and sings of hope with them and brings victory over death.”

You are invited to our Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady Mass at 9:15 am on Thursday 15th August.

St Francis Xavier - Winter Sleep Out 

A Vinnies School Sleepout provides a unique insight into the complex issues that people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage face by “sleeping rough” for one night. Vinnies provides vulnerable people with essential support to rebuild their lives and reconnect with the community, but they couldn’t do it without the support of people like you.

On Wednesday 14th August, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, St Francis Xavier will be participating in a Vinnies School Sleepout to make a real difference in the lives of the 122,000 people experiencing homelessness every night.  This sleepout is an opportunity for fathers, grandfathers and father figures and their children to not only spend some time together but gain a deeper understanding of homelessness and the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness. 

Father figures and their children will engage in prayer, cardboard shelter making, listen to a St Vincent de Paul representative and eat soup and bread for dinner, to put themselves in the shoes of the less fortunate.