FAITH MATTERS 

This week, our school community has joined Catholics and Christians around the world in reflecting on two significant occasions — Laudato Si’ Week and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. 

Laudato Si’ Week marks the anniversary of Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato si', which calls all people to care for our common home through stewardship, compassion and action. More than ten years after it was written, its message remains deeply relevant as we continue to face environmental challenges, social inequality and the need to care for both people and planet. 

Throughout our Religious Education classes this week, students have been exploring these themes in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. In particular, our Year 9 students, who are currently studying Stewardship, have been engaging with Pope Francis’ invitation to recognise that caring for creation is not simply an environmental issue, but also a matter of faith, justice and responsibility. Their discussions and learning have encouraged students to think about the small but important ways each of us can contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world. 

This week has also been the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity — a time when Christians across many denominations come together in prayer for greater understanding, peace and unity. In a world that can often feel divided, this week reminds us of the importance of dialogue, respect and working together for the common good. 

 Next week, we look forward to celebrating Catholic Education Week. This year’s theme, “Peace be with you all” (Romans 15:33), invites us to reflect on how we can be people who bring peace, kindness and hope to others in our daily lives. 

As part of the celebrations, students and staff will gather for the annual CESH Mass, which this year will be hosted by St Mary's Primary School. This special celebration provides an opportunity for our wider Catholic education community to come together in faith, prayer and fellowship.

May we continue to be inspired by the call of Pope Francis to care for creation, by the example of unity shown through Christian prayer, and by Christ’s invitation to be people of peace in our homes, classrooms and wider community. 

Loving God, 

You call us to be one body in Christ, 

woven together by Your Spirit of love. 

In a world divided by fear and misunderstanding, 

teach us to walk humbly with one another, 

listening with open hearts, 

and serving with generous hands. 

May the example of St Joseph 

guide us in quiet faithfulness and steadfast care. 

May Mary, Mother of the Church, 

inspire us to nurture unity with tenderness and courage. 

Bless all Christian communities — 

Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and beyond — 

that we may recognise Christ in each other 

and work together for justice, peace, and hope. 

We ask this through Jesus, 

our Brother and our Peace. 

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