Faith and Mission

This week has provided many opportunities to celebrate the rich story of John XXIII College and reflect on our shared future.

On 19 July, the Loreto community celebrated Loreto Heritage Day, honouring the vision and legacy of Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry and her nine companions, who arrived in Australia 151 years ago. Today, at our Community Mass, we acknowledged this important occasion and gave thanks for the enduring contribution of the Loreto tradition to the life of our College.

At our Staff Conference, Our Common Home: Forty Years of Progress in Mount Claremont, we began the day with a Welcome to Country by Robyn Collard, a Nyungar Yorga from the Whadjuk and Ballardong groups. Her welcome invited us to acknowledge the enduring connection of First Nations peoples to Country and reminded us that caring for our common home begins with listening to and learning from those who have stewarded this land for generations.  Keynote speaker Michael McGirr invited us to consider our own vocation and the importance of finding our 'yes' to God's call. He encouraged us to be choreographers of hope, helping shape a future marked by faith, care for others and stewardship of our common home.

One of the highlights of the conference was hearing from Sr Denise Desmarchelier CJ, whose vivid recollections of the vision, planning and establishment of the Mount Claremont campus brought our history to life. Her stories reminded us that the campus we enjoy today was built through faith, courage and an unwavering commitment to creating a place where young people could flourish. As we celebrate forty years on this site, it was a privilege to hear directly from someone whose leadership helped shape its foundations.

Our reflections on community and the common good continued on Tuesday evening when the College hosted the launch of Equality, Reconciliation and Social Cohesion: The Inspiration of Sir William Deane, edited by Fr Frank Brennan SJ. The evening brought together members of our wider community to explore themes that remain central to Australia's future: human dignity, justice, compassion and the common good. We were privileged to hear from Kate Chaney MP, a past student at the College, and the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, whose thoughtful reflections highlighted the ongoing importance of reconciliation, inclusion and social cohesion in our national life. The event reminded us of Sir William Deane's enduring belief in our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to build a society marked by respect, hope and justice.

Together, these events remind us that our heritage is not simply something we remember. It is something we are called to live. As we honour those who have shaped our story, may we continue to be people of hope, committed to building a community where everyone can flourish.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

In Week 2, Community Mass will be on Thursday, 30 July, and will be prepared by students in Loyola House. However, families and students from all Houses are welcome to the liturgy, and then to coffee and conversation after Mass in the Circle of Friends Café.  

The Mass will commence at the usual time of 8:00am, but it is on Thursday due to the Secondary Athletics Carnival.

At this morning’s liturgy, we commemorated the arrival in Australia of Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry, and her companions, to begin their work of establishing Loreto education. We gave thanks for the continuing mission of Mary Ward’s Sisters today in their various ministries. In particular, we acknowledged Sr Tess, Sr Francine, Sr Maureen and Sr Selvi and their loving presence and enduring support for our College community. 

Thank you to Fr Huy who presided at the liturgy and, referring to this Sunday’s gospel, invited us to consider treasure hunts we enjoyed.

Jesus said to the crowds, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.’

According to Sr Renee Yann, RSM, this gospel poses “an eternal question: are we wise enough to cherish the treasure of God’s Kingdom? The kind of life we live comes down to what we treasure: for what do we sacrifice our time, attention, and effort? Where do we place the resources of our mind, body, and spirit?”

Community Mass details 

• College Chapel
• All welcome!
• Fridays in term time

• Starts at 8:00am; concludes at 8:30am.

   

EXCEPTION: Week 2 – Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, 30 July at 8:00am in the Chapel, due to Secondary Athletics Carnival.