Mission and Identity
- Year 12 Retreat Day
- Year 12 Graduation Liturgy
- All Saints Day and All Souls Day 2021
Year 12 Retreat Day
In an effort to provide a retreat experience for the 2021 graduating class, Wednesday 27 October was set aside at Oxford Falls as a day to reflect upon their relationships with their peers, teachers and families. In homeroom classes discussion carousels helped to re-connect the class after the time spent apart. The teacher led discussions helped the students consider what they have ahead of them after their time at St Pius X College.
Opportunity existed for the boys to affirm their peers for the many qualities that they have displayed in their time at the College. Our very own counsellor Mr Rick Russo set the scene regarding the positive mind set and mental health outcomes deriving from positive affirmations from peers. Many boys took the time to not only note, but deliver their affirmations in a mature manner.
Ample time was spent at recess and lunch, allowing the Class of 2021 to enjoy each other’s company in the brilliant weather we were blessed with. The engagement in sporting activities meant that the time together provided a quality experience.
Our day concluded with a vote of thanks to all staff and students for their mature and positive approach to the day.
Graduation Liturgy
To comply with the current health orders, our usual Graduation Mass was shorted to a Liturgy of the Word for the Graduation of the Class of 2021. We were fortunate that Fr David Ranson, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Dolours, could lead our liturgy. Our reflection focussed upon the key scripture passage entrusted to each Year 12 who graduates from St Pius X College – The Great Commissioning. Each student is encouraged in Matthew’s Gospel to “Go Make a Difference.”
Thoughts for the Graduating Class of 2021 from Fr David’s homily included:
- Your future is opening to you with enormous possibility and energy
- The end of secondary education is a time for dreaming and idealism
- At this time, young people want to make a more active contribution to the construction of our society as the unique people that we are
- We make our contribution in the quality of our love, our faith and our hope
- Quoting Pope Francis at World Youth Day, 'humanity needs young people like yourselves who do not wish to live their lives halfway, rather humanity needs young people ready to spend their lives freely in service'.
All Saints Day and All Souls Day 2021
Catholics around the world remember 1 November as the Feast of All Saints. We call to mind those men and women who did the ordinary in an extraordinary way. The Church holds these people as role models and examples for us to strive the emulate in our lives, as we attempt to remain faithful to the values of the Gospels. In our usual Monday morning assembly, our newly elected Cultural Prefect Group for 2022 led the community in our prayer for All Saints Day.
The next day, 2 November, is All Souls Day. Catholics spend the month of November calling to mind all those loved ones who have died and are no longer with us in this world. While they live on in our hearts, we pray for God’s intercession that they will spend eternity in the presence of Christ. A tradition at St Pius X College is that we have our Book of Remembrance located in the Foyer of the College. Students are able to add the names of relatives who are longer with us, and as a community we pray for them throughout November.
Mr Nathan Mulheron - Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity