Faith and Mission

Welcome back!

This year, we turn our attention to the Loreto value of Felicity. In the context of our College’s tradition, felicity is more than simple happiness. It is a sense of joy, positivity, and gratitude that comes from within and is extended to those around us. Felicity invites us to approach each day with a cheerful spirit, to persevere through challenges with hope, and to cultivate an atmosphere of kindness and optimism. It is about seeing and celebrating the good in ourselves, in others, and in the world, even when times are difficult. It comes from reflection on our inner lives and our relationship with God.

Central to our understanding of felicity is the legacy of Mary Ward. She was a courageous woman ahead of her time, whose vision for education was grounded in faith, justice, and joy. She believed that true happiness arises from living authentically and serving others with a generous heart. Mary Ward’s life and teachings remind us that felicity is not just an individual pursuit but a value that flourishes in community, inspiring us to support and uplift one another.

The Loreto value of felicity encourages us to find joy in daily life and to share that joy with others. It is about facing life’s ups and downs with hope, gratitude, and a cheerful heart. By embracing felicity as Mary Ward did, we not only enrich our own lives but also foster a nurturing and inclusive spirit within our College community.

As we begin this new school year, let’s all try to live out the Loreto value of felicity in our studies, our relationships, and in the wider College community. Together, we can ensure that John XXIII College remains a place of joy, optimism, and gratitude.

We wish everyone an enjoyable and successful start to Term 1, and a year enriched by the spirit of felicity.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine for people, so that they may see your good works and give praise to your Father in heaven.’

Matthew 5:13-16

At this morning’s Community Eucharist, we prayed God’s blessings on the students in Years 8-10 who have stepped up as new Homeroom leaders for 2026. It was lovely to see so many of our students and families gathered for this first Community Mass of the year. In his homily, Fr Heri referred to the Gospel of Matthew and noted that we are like the moon, reflecting the radiance of the sun. We pray that Homeroom leaders, and all our community, may grow as ‘salt of the earth, light of the world’ to bring God’s radiance to our College and our world. 

Families are always welcome to our community liturgy, which is usually on Friday mornings. After Mass, parents are invited to coffee in the Circle of Friends Café. 

Next week, the Mass will be on Thursday, 12 February, due to the Secondary Swimming Carnival. The liturgy will be prepared by Year 11 students, and will include a blessing of their Homeroom leaders. 

If you have any questions regarding our Friday Eucharist, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley: mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au

Community Mass details

• College Chapel
• Fridays in term time
• Starts at 8:00am concludes at 8:30am

EXCEPTION: Thursday 12 February

Sacraments

Do you have a child in Year 3, 4 or 6?

Families are encouraged to enrol their child in their parish without delay. Next week, many parishes will be closing their enrolments for 2026. The College website has links to sacrament program information from some of our local parishes. 

Students will be preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation in Year 3, First Holy Communion in Year 4 and Confirmation in Year 6. 

Preparing for the sacraments is a three-way collaboration of family, parish and school. This means that parents exercise their right in choosing to enrol their child in the parish; the school provides the learning experiences to prepare the children, and the parish arranges the celebration of the sacrament. Parishes require that students be enrolled.

Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so please don’t hesitate to ask. Below are some useful points of contact: 

• The priest or sacrament coordinator in your local parish
• John XXIII College website
• The Archdiocesan website: Parishes & Mass Times

• Mary-Anne Lumley: mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au  or via phone on 

  08 9383 0513