Faith and Mission

One of the core principles of our Wellbeing Framework is developing respectful relationships within our community. In our Catholic tradition, respectful relationships are underpinned by the teaching that each person is made in the image of God and, as such, has inherent dignity.

On 8 April a declaration was released from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith in the Vatican called Dignitas Infinita. The document reaffirms that 'every human person possesses an infinite dignity, inalienably grounded in his or her very being, which prevails in and beyond every circumstance, state, or situation the person may ever encounter'. The document offers 'some points for reflection that can help us maintain an awareness of human dignity amid the complex historical moment in which we are living'. 

When considering respectful relationships in light of Dignitas Infinita we are reminded to treat others with kindness, compassion and respect, acknowledging the inherent value within them. In practical terms, this means listening, speaking, and acting with empathy towards others.

In our community, these principles are crucial for creating an environment of respect and inclusion. By recognising the dignity of each person, we learn to appreciate the uniqueness of each other, laying the groundwork for building respectful relationships characterised by mutual respect. Dignitas Infinita empowers us to address behaviours that undermine the dignity of others and encourages each of us to advocate for justice and uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals reflecting the core values of the Catholic faith.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

Thank you to students in Year 9 who prepared this morning’s liturgy. Next Friday, the Eucharist will be prepared by students in Year 11. Families are especially welcome to join students, staff and friends to gather as a community and give thanks to God. Afterwards, there is coffee – and conversation – in the Circle of Friends Café.  If you are new to the College, just come to the Chapel in time for an 8:00am start – there are no allocated seats.  All are welcome!

Community Mass Summary:

• Fridays in Term time
• 8:00am start – 8:30am finish
• College Chapel

Sacrament program

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

In several parishes, Sacrament programs have already begun, but some are still accepting enrolments. 

In line with the Sacrament Policy, it is the parents’ ‘right and responsibility’ to enrol their own child in a parish, since parents are respected as first educators in the faith of their children. Students celebrate the sacraments in their parish with their own family. 

The College Religious Education program supports families in this education. In Year 3, students are taught the content for First Reconciliation; in Year 4, the content for First Holy Communion and in Year 6, the content for Confirmation. 

Some parishes located nearest to the College have supplied details about enrolment and dates, including City Beach, Claremont, Cottesloe, Doubleview, North Beach and Subiaco. Please see the Parish Sacrament Programs page on the College website. 

For parents hoping to enrol their child in First Communion at Cottesloe parish, the enrolments have closed. However, the parish has advised that late enrolments will be accepted for another week or so.  

Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so don’t be afraid to ask:

• Your parish priest or Sacrament Coordinator
• The Archdiocesan website;
• Email Mary-Anne Lumley mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au   08 9383 0513.