FAITH MATTERS

Gathering in Gratitude and Remembrance

As we move into the final weeks of the school year, our community recently gathered for our End of Year Mass - a beautiful celebration of faith, unity and gratitude. This special liturgy marked the last time our entire school community came together before our Year 12 students completed their final days at St Mary MacKillop College.

The Mass was a time to pause and reflect on all that has been achieved throughout the year - the friendships formed, the challenges overcome, and the moments of growth and grace that have shaped us as individuals and as a community. With our theme of Mutual Respect guiding us, we gave thanks for the spirit of cooperation and care that continues to define life at MacKillop.

Our Year 12 students were especially remembered and blessed as they begin their next chapter beyond our gates. In the spirit of Mary MacKillop, who reminded us to “never see a need without doing something about it,” we pray that they will continue to live out the values of compassion, courage and faith wherever life leads them.

As we turn the calendar to November, we are invited to remember and honour those who have gone before us. All Saints Day (November 1) celebrates all the holy men and women who have lived lives of faith and goodness — known and unknown — reminding us that we too are called to holiness in the ordinary moments of life. All Souls Day (November 2) then gives us the chance to pray for our loved ones who have died, entrusting them to God’s eternal peace and love.

Together, these days call us to gratitude — for the people who have shaped us, for the saints who inspire us, and for the faith that sustains us. As a school community, we hold in prayer all those we love, both living and deceased, and give thanks for the gift of belonging to a community that continues to learn, grow, and celebrate together.

Prayer

Loving God, 

We thank you for the gift of our school community and for the many blessings of this year. As we remember our Year 12 students, may they walk with courage and faith into the future. 

As we celebrate All Saints and All Souls, may we be inspired by the goodness of others and find peace in remembering those who have gone before us. 

Grant us hearts of gratitude and hope, that we may continue to live with kindness, respect, and love for one another. 

Amen.

Jesus light of the world, guide us

St Joseph, journey with us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Mission