Mission & Identity

To you I call; for you will surely heed me, O God;

turn your ear to me; hear my words.

Guard me as the apple of your eye;

in the shadow of your wings protect me. (Cf Psalm 16:6,8)

(Entrance Antiphon, Twenty-ninth Sunday, Year B)

On a beautiful Wednesday evening, the St Patick’s College community gathered for the annual Year 12 Thanksgiving Mass. This is always a highlight of the calendar. Led by our College Chaplain, Fr Eladio Lizada OSJ, we offered thanks to God for the many gifts that have been bestowed on our Year 12 students. But it is not just the past we give thanks for, but also for the gift of a hope-filled future that belongs to us all. Out-going Vice-Captain Paterson Meneely lead us in the following intercessory prayer: 

That each of us here tonight will not wish to be served, but seek to serve our neighbours, freely offering our talents and gifts to the communities in which we shall labour in the years ahead– let us pray to the Lord

This prayer expresses the vision of faith, hope, and love that we also heard proclaimed in the Gospel according to Mark:

Jesus called his disciples to him and said to them: ‘You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

This is Jesus’ path for a better future. This is at the heart of a Christ-centred St Patrick’s College education: That we should love our neighbour, to always choose and act for their good, because that is what we were created for, and is what brings us to the fullness of life. 

Our 2024 Student Council, led by Captain Noah Quick and Vice Captains Angus Rothe and Paterson Meneely, have been a gift to the College because of their servant leadership. Their cultural impact on daily life at SPC – their gentle joy - will be felt for many years to come. Indeed, the entire Year 12 cohort have abided in the friendships that inspire those around them. We wish them every success in their exams and the promise of a hope-filled future. 

In all the troubles of this world let us not lose hope. For God is good. And he is sending out in to the world, through his instrument of St Patrick’s College, another company of fine young men who will freely offer their talents and gifts to the communities in which they shall labour in the years ahead. 

Praise be to God.