Mission and Identity

• Philippines Immersion
• Year 12 Graduation Mass

Philippines Immersion

‘Be proof of God’s Love’: 14 students were commissioned into the ‘Way of the bowl and towel’ last Saturday in preparation for the Matthew 25:40 Suite: Philippine Immersion this weekend. This heart moving liturgy saw parents anoint the hands and foreheads of their sons to the words ‘Be proof of God’s love’ as they seek to be transformed by this self pouring out opportunity. 

The liturgy was crafted around a beautiful reflection from Mark Gladman on the ‘Upside Down Way of Jesus’. Students embraced the way of the bowl and towel on bended knee as they washed the feet of fellow pilgrims.

Please keep them in your prayers as they set out to build homes for hurricane victims, volunteer in orphanages, aged care homes, schools and prison chaplaincy. Such immersions would not be possible without the passionate witness and talent of Mr Di Sano, Mr Balboa and the unwavering support of College Principal, Mr Ronchetti.

Please enjoy a recap video here: Video

Graduation Mass

This week we celebrated our Graduation Mass for the Graduating Class of 2025. Generously celebrated by Fr David Ranson, the students relished their final Mass as a cohort.

There were two blessings that were of particular significance before and after the Mass.

The first blessing was offered on behalf of Year 12 to their parents and teachers. This blessing of light was offered in gratitude for the love and sacrifice that has been invested by the parents and teachers gathered, to shepherd Year 12 to that milestone in their earthly pilgrimage. Year 12 encircled the congregation with their graduation candles as this was prayed:

'May the blessing of God’s light be upon you, light on the outside and light on the inside.

We give thanks for the light you have shared with us -

a light of wisdom that has opened our minds,

a light of patience that has guided our steps,

and a light of love that has encouraged our hearts.

As we graduate and step into the next chapter of life,

may God return that light to you in abundance.

May His light shine on your path like the morning sun,

gentle in its warmth, steadfast in its strength,

and constant in its promise.

May the flame of His Spirit burn within you always,

renewing your hope, sustaining your vocation,

and blessing you for the footprints you have left upon our lives.

Amen'

At the conclusion of the Mass, the following blessing was offered by the parents:

‘We set the keeping of Christ about you

We call the guarding of God around you

To encircle you

To protect you

And accompany you on your path

We set the mystery of Love about you

We pray the strength of the Spirit attend you

To hold you

To enfold you

In God’s enduring love

We set the power of our story about you

Our community together to sustain you

To support you

To walk with you

Held as one in God

By the power of the Trinity, and in the knowing of

our God, we make this blessing prayer through Jesus Christ 

Amen’

Both blessings rendered many a tear. It was a privilege to witness our 4 altar servers offer their ministry as their elder brothers graduated: a beautiful sentiment of brotherhood.

We wish all our graduates every blessing as the take the first steps of the next chapter of their adventure with God. 

Mr Daniel Petrie - Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity