✝️Faith and Mission

NAIDOC Celebrations Prayer

Father our Creator You created all things, seen and unseen,

Listen to my silent prayer as I stand here before you.

As my weary eyes look back over distant horizons,

Back to those days where my people walked. 

The footprints of my grandfathers are imprinted on the earth 

and their images become real to me.

I see my Grandfathers standing tall and strong, warriors of long ago. 

I hear them singing, I see them dancing, and my spirit moves within me.

They told me of the emus fighting; picking the scent of our hunters.

The images fade away as I feel the hurt of my people.

I can hear the cries of my Grandmothers as they cry for their children.

Grandfather, You can see me as I stand here and feel this hurt.

Father Creator, is this the purpose of my being here? 

Or is it your plan to reshape my people 

to be once again the proud race it once was?

Let me walk with you and my Grandfathers 

towards the dawning of a proud and new nation.

I thank you for my Sacred Being. 

Amen.

Kairos Retreat

At the end of Term 2, Year 11 and 12 students enjoyed the Kairos Retreat at St John of God’s Retreat Centre in Shoalwater. KAIROS is a Greek word that means time, but not in a chronological sense. It is used to refer to a moment of opportunity, of challenge, of decision.  It is a “time of the Lord”.  The boys spent four days and three nights together, which allowed them to recognise the presence of God in themselves and their talents, in their parents and families, and in the friendships they shared. The students where generously supported by old boys Costa, Oscar, Wellington and Anthony, as well as the staff and our own Oblate Priests.

One of the Oblates, Fr Josh Nash OMI, joined us from Iona College in Brisbane. We were also joined by two teachers from Brisbane, Mark and Rennaye. Everyone participated well and came back to school exhausted, but appreciative of the wonderful experience of Kairos 2025. Thank you to all Oblates, students, old boys and staff who made the Kairos Retreat such a special event in the College calendar.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Lesmurdie – 50th Anniversary Mass

17 August 2025 at 9:30am

An invitation is extended to all parishioners, their families and friends to join in the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Church. Mass will celebrated by the very Rev Vincent Glynn VG, Oblate Fathers and visiting Priests. After this special Mass, there will be morning tea served in the Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome to take part in this solemn occasion with the OLOL community.

Damian Wallis

Director of Faith and Mission