Catholic Identity
Catholic Identity Leader: Mrs Elizabeth Holligan
Friday 9 May, 2025
Reflection:
Remembering Pope Francis
God of mercy and mission, We thank you for Pope Francis, a teacher of truth, a friend of the poor, a shepherd who walked with courage and joy.
Give us a heart like his: Open to wonder, brave in justice, ready to listen, slow to judge, and always leaning toward love.
May his legacy echo in our families and schools, not just in words, but in the way we are with each other, teach, serve, and lead. Amen.
Micah 6: 8
“This is what the Lord asks of you: Only this – to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”
This verse captures so much of what Pope Francis lived and taught: justice with compassion, love without condition, and humility grounded in deep faith.
We pray that our new Pope will lead our global Catholic family with justice, compassion and humility grounded in deep faith. Amen.
A new Pope
‘Peace be with you.' These were the first words of Pope Leo XIV as he addressed the world this morning. ‘We must be a single people, always in peace’ ‘build bridges’ and we must focus on ‘dialogue and love’.
Our community at St Anne’s College and Catholics around the world celebrate today the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the Catholic Church’s next Pope, taking on the name of Pope Leo XIV.
Jesus Christ taught us to love one another, to respect the dignity of all and to be the voice for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to speak for themselves. Pope Leo XIV takes his name from Pope Leo XIII who, at the turn of the 20th century, challenged the world to address the ‘misery and wretchedness pressing so unjustly on the majority of the working class’, and ‘the enormous fortunes of some few individuals, and the utter poverty of the masses’. Pope Leo XIV challenges us today to demonstrate our love foreach other through our charity extended to all. May God bless our new Pope.
Catholic Identity - General Notices
F.I.R.E Carrier Ceremony – 1 May
On Thursday 1 May, our students and staff proudly participated in the F.I.R.E Carrier (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) ceremony - an initiative that deepens our school community’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural understanding.
The event was led by Elizabeth Holligan, Catholic Identity Leader and Leonie Scott, Koorie Educator and Learning Mentor, and began with a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Billy Cooper, a respected Elder and guest, alongside Neil Cooper and Michael Chisholm from Catholic Education Sandhurst.
During the ceremony, students were officially recognised as F.I.R.E Carriers. Each student received their badge and took a meaningful pledge to build respect, understanding, and knowledge of Australian Aboriginal culture.
This special occasion highlighted the importance of ongoing reconciliation and the
shared responsibility we all have in honouring the cultures, stories, and traditions of
the First Nations peoples of Australia.
Congratulations to all students and staff who participated in this important event.
Your commitment to reconciliation and cultural learning is an inspiration and a vital
step toward building a more inclusive and respectful future for all Australians.
Fundraising and Awareness Term 2
During Term 2 we focus on raising awareness in our community about our First Nations people, their history and current challenges. Term 2 also coincides with National Reconciliation Week from May 25 to June 2, Caritas Justice Matters Camp on Wednesday 21 May to Thursday 22 May, NAIDOC Week on July 6-13, review of our FIRE Carrier Covenant, and our Cultural Celebration Day activities. Stay tuned for an eventful term ahead at St Anne’s College.
Sacramental Program
St Mel’s Parish Sacramental Program held their last session here at St Anne’s College on Thursday evening, May 8. Please keep in your prayers our young people from St Mel’s Parish who will be making their First Eucharist and Confirmation on Sunday June 8.
God Bless. Mrs Elizabeth Holligan, Catholic Identity Leader