Faith Formation 

and Mission

YEAR 12 2026 COMMITMENT MASS

The Year 12 2026 Commitment Mass was held in Week 1. It is one of the College’s special traditions and we were grateful to Fr Grace and Seminarian Patrick Drum for celebrating the Mass with our incoming Year 12 students. The Mass marks the start of their final year of high school and brings the group together to pray, reflect, and seek God's blessing as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Students renew their commitment to their studies, their faith, and their relationships with others. It's a chance to pause, reflect, and seek strength and guidance as they navigate the demands of the HSC year. This was a powerful way to start Term 4, providing students with a sense of community, purpose, and hope. It's a reminder that they are not alone on their journey and that they have the support of their school, their families, and their faith community.

The Year 12 class of 2026 was officially recognised as the new student leaders of the College in a special ceremony where they were presented with their college badges, a symbol of their leadership role. Fr. Grace blessed the badges, asking God to guide and protect the students as they embark on their leadership journey. Mrs. Thomas and Ms. Cramp then distributed the badges to each student. The Year 12 2026 students pledged their commitment by saying the Year 12 Commitment Prayer

Lord, Be with us on our journey this year through Year 12.

We pray for Prudence, Justice, Courage, Temperance, 

Discipline, Wisdom, Patience, and Understanding.

Help us to grow our hearts and minds 

as we face the challenges of each new day.

Send your spirit to guide us as leaders in our school community.                                

May we be supportive of our family and friends.

Mater Dei, Mother of God, just as you nurtured Jesus in his life,

so nurture us in ours.

Through Mary, our mother,  Amen.         

Let us continue to pray for the Year 12 class of 2026, that they may excel in their studies and emerge as inspiring leaders who embody the values of our school.

PARISH SCHOOLS MASS

On Saturday 18 October, the schools of the Sacred Heart Parish combined to help with Saturday Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of our place in the broader Catholic community of Wagga and for our students to show leadership to students at Sacred Heart Primary and Mater Dei Primary. 

New leaders from the Class of 2026 - Svannah, Isabella, Marley, Gypsy, Lucy and Ruby - delivered the Mass readings beautifully. The dates for the 2026 Parish Schools Masses will be shared early next year; all families are very welcome to attend. 

CATHOLIC MISSION MONTH - SOCKTOBER

On Tuesday the College raised money for Catholic Mission through Socktober! Students celebrated by wearing their silly socks and raising funds and awareness for communities in Zambia, to help ensure children have access to food and education, and a chance to build a brighter future. Socktober was a fantastic way to unite Mater Dei students and staff to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. By being involved in fundraising days we cultivate a culture of empathy and social justice and also witness the power of collective action. 

ALL SOULS DAY HOMEGROUP

On Monday, staff and students held a homegroup liturgy to commemorate All Souls' Day, a significant day in the Catholic liturgical calendar. This special occasion gave students and staff the opportunity to remember and pray for the deceased, especially those who have passed away in the past year.

Students were encouraged to find comfort, peace and courage through their faith, and hope in the promise of eternal life. The Peace Garden became a poignant space of remembrance, where staff and students were invited to light a candle and write a short message to be hung on the tree.

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL

We are busy preparing for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) which will be held in Melbourne in Week 8. The College has 14 pilgrims and 3 staff attending the festival which provides young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia.

The youth festival is the largest gathering of young Catholics in Australia. In 2013 the first ever Australian Catholic Youth Festival was held and over 3250 youth gathered in Melbourne, and similar numbers are expected this year. Pilgrims will be able to participate in a range of prayer experiences, workshops and talks, as well as exploring live performances and an expo.

We look forward to sharing our experiences with the community when we return.

REMEMBRANCE DAY REFLECTION

The College will pause next Tuesday, 11 November to mark Remembrance Day. This solemn occasion honours the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service of our country.

Christ is our light and he calls us along the road of peace. 

Let us take this minute of silence to reflect on the impact of warfare

 and pray for peace in our world, land, families, and hearts. 

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

May the God of peace help us build bridges of peace. Amen.

May the God of love help us spread waves of love. Amen.

May the God of hope help us raise flags of hope. Amen.

Mrs Rebecca Gill | Leader of Faith Formation and Mission