✝️Faith and Mission

The Merton Prayer

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself,

And the fact that I think I am following your will

Does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you

Does, in fact, please you.

And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road,

Though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore, will I trust you always though

I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me,

And you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

The start of a new school year always brings with it fresh possibilities, new challenges, and a sense of stepping onto a road we haven’t fully travelled before. Thomas Merton’s timeless prayer reminds us that even when the path ahead feels unclear, we are never alone. As we welcome back our students and families, we place our trust in a God who walks with us, guides us gently, and delights in our desire to do what is good. May this year be one of growth, courage and companionship as we journey forward together.

Year 12 Signing of the Cross

On Wednesday, 28 January, our Year 12 cohort gathered for the traditional Signing of the Cross and the presentation of their Senior badges from Mrs Hughes, Fr Twigg OMI, Mr Mallon and Dr Leber.

By signing the cross which hangs in the Year 12 area, they mark the beginning of the last stage in their journey as a Mazenod College student. The cross is a daily reminder of their intention to give their best, to approach their studies with purpose, and to play an active and positive role in the life of the College community.

This tradition reflects on the life of our patron, St Eugene de Mazenod, who himself drew strength and purpose from the cross. It was there, at the foot of the cross, that St Eugene felt the profound calling to give himself completely to Christ and the service of others. May our signed cross be a constant reminder to our young men that true commitment begins with a generous heart and the courageous willingness to serve both faith and community.

Year Level Masses

Our Year Level Masses play a central role in the life of our Catholic and Oblate community, offering each cohort a moment to gather, pray and reflect on their shared journey and on who they are becoming. They help students recognise God’s presence in their learning, friendships and challenges. In sharing in the Eucharist together, students experience a sense of belonging that strengthens their identity and the sense of belonging that sits at the heart of Mazenod College.

We began this year’s celebrations with our Year 7 and Year 12 Masses, grounding both our newest and our most senior students in the spirit of St Eugene de Mazenod. His belief in the dignity of every young person and his call to grow as people of faith and service continue to shape our mission today. In this way, each of our Year Level Masses becomes a Moment of Grace.

Combined Whole School Mass and Staff Reflection Day

Staff from Mazenod College and St Brigid’s College gathered on Thursday, 22 January at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish for our Combined Colleges Opening Mass, a moment that grounded us in prayer, unity, and the shared mission that guides our work in the year ahead. Thank you to St Brigid’s for hosting us for a delicious morning tea.

The following day, we came together for our Staff Reflection Day, exploring the rich heritage of our House Charisms, reflecting on St Eugene de Mazenod’s own moments of grace, and looking forward to the exciting initiatives planned to celebrate both our College’s 60th Anniversary and the 200th Anniversary of the Oblate Constitutions and Rules.

Throughout the day, we deepened our understanding of our continuing theme, Moments of Grace, considering how Compassionate Spirituality, Compassionate Learning and Compassionate Community can shape our relationships and practice. Sincere thanks to Fr Michael Twigg OMI and Mr Michael Anderson for their inspiring sessions, which helped set a hopeful and energising tone for the year.

Dr Nathan Leber

Director of Catholic Faith and Oblate Mission