Mission and Identity

From the Mission and Identity Team

Carlo Acutis – A Saint for the New Millennium

In October 2020, Carlo Acutis was beatified by Pope Francis, making him the first “millennial saint-in-the-making.” Born in 1991 and passing away in 2006 at only 15 years of age, Carlo lived a short but deeply meaningful life. 

He was an ordinary teenager who loved soccer, playing video games, and spending time with his friends. Yet what made him extraordinary was the way he put Christ at the centre of everything he did.

Carlo had a special devotion to the Eucharist. 

He attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary, and spent time in Eucharistic adoration. Using his skills with computers, he created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world, showing how technology can be used to bring faith alive and inspire others.

What can we learn from Carlo Acutis?

Holiness is possible for everyone. Carlo reminds us that sanctity is not only for people who lived centuries ago, it is something young people today can pursue in their daily lives.

Faith and technology can go together. Carlo shows us how our gifts and passions even gaming or coding can be used for God’s purpose.

Service brings joy. Carlo was known for his kindness, generosity, and his care for the poor. He reminds us that small acts of love can change the world.

Carlo once said, “To be always close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.” His example calls us to reflect: How can we use our talents, our friendships, and our time to draw closer to Christ and share His love with others?

Carlo Acutis challenges us all to live with courage, creativity, and faith in today’s world. He shows that even in a short life, it is possible to leave behind a legacy of love and hope. 

You can access St Carlo’s webpage here:

https://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/Liste/list.html

Mission Day – Supporting Mary Ward International 

We are excited to celebrate our upcoming Mission Day in support of Mary Ward International. This special day is an opportunity for our school community to come together in the spirit of service, generosity, and joy as we raise funds for important projects that make a difference in the lives of others around the world.

Students will take the lead in organising fundraising stalls, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. From food and treats to games and activities, each stall is a chance for students to contribute to a cause bigger than themselves.

The day will also feature our much-loved Talent Show, where students share their gifts and entertain with music, dance, drama, and more. It is always a highlight that brings laughter, applause, and admiration for the many talents within our school.

Mission Day is a celebration of community, faith, and justice lived out through fun, generosity, and shared purpose. We thank all students, staff, and families for their support in making this day possible and look forward to seeing the wonderful spirit of our community shine.

Mission Day Money cards can be purchased through Flexischools – until Monday 15 September. 

Dates to note in September 2025

The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – September 8 

This important feast day occurred on Monday September 8. On this day we celebrate Mary’s birth and the multitude of blessings we have received through the gift of her life. This Feast provides an opportunity to ask for the grace to bring Christ’s love to birth in our world each day.

R U OK? Day – September 11 

In the spirit of acting now for peace in our world, ‘R U Ok? Day’ reminds us that we need to be asking “Are you ok?” every day. Mary Ward identified that it is not enough to care for others; we must demonstrate that care in practical ways. In the words of Mary Ward, “We must not only love our neighbours as ourselves, but behave as though we did” (Mary Ward, 1618).

Martina O’Connell 

Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity 

Year 8 Reflection Day

The final Reflection Day for the term brought our Year 8 students together at the serene St. Paul’s Retreat Centre in Urrbrae, where they explored the Mary Ward value of Verity. This day of reflection provided a meaningful pause in the busyness of school life and a chance for students to engage deeply with their faith and community.

Coinciding with R U OK? Day, the program placed special emphasis on the importance of truth, calling, and friendship. These three lenses helped students consider how living truthfully can strengthen their sense of identity, deepen their relationships with others, and inspire them to respond to their personal callings with courage and integrity. The connection with R U OK? Day offered a timely reminder of the role that honesty, empathy, and supportive friendships play in nurturing mental health and wellbeing.

Guided activities with SRM and SEAD teachers, together with presentations, prayer, and small group discussions, created a space for openness and sharing. Many students commented on the supportive atmosphere and how much they valued the opportunity to step away from routine to think about what truly matters. The peaceful setting of the Retreat Centre further enriched the experience, allowing students to slow down and connect with themselves, with one another, and with God.

The day concluded with a sense of gratitude and joy, as students expressed appreciation for the time to reflect, the friendships strengthened, and the insights gained.

Nancy Rodi

Leader of Religious Education 7-12