Faith and Mission
This past fortnight has been rich with moments of reflection and celebration as our College honoured four significant feasts and anniversaries, each reminding us of the enduring influence of courageous women of faith.
We began with the Loreto Express last week, recognising 150 years since Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry arrived in Australia. A pioneering Loreto Sister, she devoted her life to bringing the vision of Mary Ward to this land, establishing schools that empowered young women to live with courage, compassion, and conviction. Her legacy of faith-filled service continues to shape our community today.
Our John XXIII Day celebrations coincided with the feast of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint. Mary’s unwavering trust in God, her compassion for those on the margins, and her tireless work in education inspire us to live by her words: 'Never see a need without doing something about it.'
On 14 August, we marked Ward House Day, celebrating the remarkable life of Mary Ward, whose vision for women’s education and active service in the Church was centuries ahead of her time. Her conviction that 'Women in time to come will do much' challenges us to continue her mission with integrity and hope.
Over the weekend, IBVM Global and the Congregatio Jesu shared the joyful news that IBVM members have voted in favour of merging with the CJ—'a truly historic and grace-filled moment' for the Mary Ward family around the world. As they take this significant step toward becoming one body, we join the Sisters in prayer and thanksgiving for the unity, hope, and courage this new chapter will bring.
Our celebrations culminated with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on 15 August, a solemnity that honours the belief that Mary, Mother of God, was assumed body and soul into heaven. This feast invites us to see Mary as a sign of hope and grace, and to follow her example of trust in God’s plan.
In reflecting on these women, Mary Ward, Mary Gonzaga Barry, Mary MacKillop, and Mary the Mother of God, we are reminded that faith, vision, and courage can transform communities and inspire generations. May their example encourage us to live with the same spirit of hope and service in our own time.
Janeen Murphy
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission
Community Mass
Thank you to Ward House for preparing our Mass today. A Special thanks to Jesuit, Fr Frank Brennan, Scholar-in-Residence, for celebrating with us on the feast of the Assumption. Fr Frank reminded us that on this day, eighty years ago, Emperor Hirohito of Japan heralded the end of World War II in his surrender, an act that brought great hope for peace in the global community. Mary’s Magnificat, the beautiful hymn celebrating God’s works of hope in the lives of people and the world, is below.
Next Friday, Year 8 students are preparing the Mass. All are welcome!
The table below shows the schedule for Masses over the next three weeks.
| WEEK | DATE/VENUE | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Friday 22 August 8:00am Chapel
| Community Mass prepared by students in Year 8 |
| 6 | Friday 29 August 8:00am Chapel
| Community Mass prepared by students in Year 9 |
| 7 | Friday 5 September 7:30am SLSC
| Mass dedicated to fathers – all dads, granddads and father-figures across Primary and Secondary welcome! |
If you would like to volunteer or have any questions about Community Mass, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley.
Community Mass details
- College Chapel
- Fridays in term time
- Starts at 8:00am concludes at 8:30am.
Sacraments
Confirmation
Enrolments for the sacrament of Confirmation in the parish of Cottesloe close on Monday, 25 August. Here is the link for registration.
Further information provided by some local parishes is here.
To find contact details for any parish in the Perth Archdiocese, go to this link.
Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so don’t be afraid to ask.
The parish priest or sacrament coordinator is the best point of contact for sacraments in a specific parish. For any general enquiries about the sacrament program, contact Mary-Anne Lumley mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au or via phone on 08 9383 0513
Image © Sr Susan Daily ibvm
Image © Sr Susan Daily ibvm
Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat, is proclaimed on today’s feast of the Assumption.
The translation below is the Contemporary English Version, which is approved for use in the Lectionary for Children.
Mary said:
With all my heart I praise the Lord, and I am glad because of God my Saviour.
God cares for me, his humble servant. From now on, all people will say God has blessed me. God All-Powerful has done great things for me, and his name is holy.
He always shows mercy to everyone who worships him.
The Lord has used his powerful arm to scatter those who are proud. God drags strong rulers from their thrones and puts humble people in places of power.
God gives the hungry good things to eat, and sends the rich away with nothing.
God helps his servant Israel and is always merciful to his people. The Lord made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his family forever!