Liturgical Calendar
ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP
Feast Day 8th August
Mary MacKillop – Australia’s First Saint
“Never see a need without doing something about it”
On August 8th each year, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint. Born in 1842 in Melbourne, Mary MacKillop dedicated her life to helping others, especially through the education of children in rural and poor communities.
With the help of Father Julian Tenison Woods, she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866. Together, they opened schools, orphanages, and places of refuge across Australia and New Zealand. Mary believed in the power of education and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it was difficult.
Mary MacKillop showed courage, compassion, and a deep trust in God. Her famous words, "Never see a need without doing something about it," continue to inspire us to live with kindness and serve others.
Let us remember Mary MacKillop as a strong woman of faith who showed us how to love, lead, and act with heart.
SISTERS OF ST JOSEPH AND ST LIBORIUS PRIMARY SCHOOL
More than 150 years ago, Saint Mary MacKillop formed the Sisters of St Joseph. Mary and her Sisters travelled through the heart of the outback to some of Australia’s most remote communities. They were willing to do whatever it took to set up schools, so overlooked children could pursue an education, reach their potential, and flourish.
Mary MacKillop was kind to all people, even if they did not agree with her. She died on 8 August 1909 in Alma Cottage, North Sydney. Mary helped many people during her lifetime and after she died, the Sisters of St Joseph kept on doing the good work she had started.
A major milestone in the St Liborius Parish history was in 1920 when the Sisters of St Joseph staffed St Liborius Primary school and lived in the convent.
PRAYER
Loving God,
We thank you for the life of Saint Mary MacKillop,
who followed Jesus by responding to the needs of her time.
Through her example,
may we learn to care for others with courage, compassion, and hope.
May we grow in faith and always trust in your loving presence,
especially when times are difficult.
Saint Mary MacKillop,
pray for us.
Amen.
THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
Feast Day 15th August
Feast of the Assumption of Mary
On August 15, Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This special day reminds us of our deep belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up—body and soul—into Heaven at the end of her earthly life.
This teaching shows how much we honour Mary, not just as Jesus' mother, but as someone who lived a life of deep faith, love, and obedience to God. The Assumption is a sign of hope for all of us—because just as Mary was welcomed into Heaven, we believe that we too are called to share eternal life with God.
God gave Mary a special place in Heaven, recognising her unique role in God’s plan.
This feast is a chance to reflect on Mary’s “yes” to God, and how we too can say "yes" through kindness, prayer, and love for others.
PRAYER
Loving God,
Thank you for the gift of Mary,
who said “yes” to your plan with love and courage.
As we remember her Assumption into Heaven,
help us to follow her example
by trusting in you and caring for others.
Mary, assumed into Heaven, pray for us.
Amen.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AT ST LIBORIUS?
Students in the 3/4Unit have listened to stories from the New Testament (The Parable of the Sower, Luke 8:4-15) with a focus on parables. They are developing their understanding that Jesus taught important lessons through special stories called parables.
Student then wrote their own story, with a message that helps people act kindly and respectfully.
Here are some student examples of some important messages from our Year 3/4 Authors!
