MISSION CENTRAL

Rosies – Ziggy Groot

On Wednesday night, we worked with the Rosies' outreach van. This entailed loading the van with equipment and provisions in order to support locals in the Cairns community who are experiencing homelessness or intense financial stress.

After setting up the van and handing out food and drinks, we then interacted with the patrons. It was an eye-opening experience that shone a light on the daily struggles faced by so many in our own backyard, and how truly grateful we should be for the privileges we might have previously taken for granted.

SRC – Jonathan O’Farrell 

Clean Up Cairns is an SRC initiative with the aim of helping our local community by contributing to a cleaner future. On Wednesday 27 May, we held our first Clean Up Cairns event. We had 15 students come along and help pick up 14 bags of rubbish from the College grounds, Severin, Loeven and Draper streets. This is a great result, but a very important reminder to make sure our rubbish goes into the bin and not on the ground. We will host another Clean Up next term as well! 

Building on this community spirit, our next big event is the biathlon for Rosies in Week 9 on Wednesday 17 June from 7–8am. Entry is $10, with all proceeds supporting Rosies. After breaking into a sweat, participants can head over to Mission Central for a celebratory sausage sizzle, featuring $3 sausages and $5 combo deals with a drink. To top off the morning, entry automatically puts all participants in a lucky draw to win an exclusive pair of Saints swimmers! It’s a fantastic opportunity to stay active, enjoy some great food and rally together for an incredible cause. 

Service report – John Picco 

I am pleased to share some updates about our recent and upcoming community efforts.  

I sincerely thank all the students who took part in Rosies this term. Without the school volunteers this charity would struggle to maintain their outreach so we are greatly valued by the organisation.  

I thank all boys who signed on for Relay for Life on August 1. Please support them and sponsor them as they aim to collect $2000 for cancer research.  

Recently 31 dedicated boys participated in the annual Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal throughout the Brinsmead area. Their commitment and hard work enabled us to collect $2000 from local households. These funds will be used by the Salvation Army to support vital initiatives such as providing housing and essential services for people experiencing homelessness.   

Immersion update 

More fundraising has taken place, with the immersion students raising $1800 to purchase much needed goods for the schools they visited in Fiji. Well done boys! 

Our call today 

Fr Santhosh’s homily inspired us at the Champagnat Mass last Friday. 

As a school community shaped by Marcellin’s vision, we are called to do the same: 

• To treat one another with dignity and kindness. 
• To look out especially for those who are struggling – just as Marcellin did. 
• And to remember that every act of love, no matter how small, builds up the kingdom of God. 

Students, every time you help a classmate, speak with kindness or pray with sincerity, you are living the spirit of Marcellin. Teachers and staff, every time you educate with love and patience, you are continuing his mission. 

Let us thank God for the life of St Marcellin Champagnat – a man who became great not through power, but through love and humility. 

Let us pray:  

• That we may become more like Christ.
• That we may serve one another with open hearts.
• And that our school may continue to be a place where every child feels loved, valued and called to greatness in God’s eyes. 

Amen.