Faith and Mission
Earlier this week, our community entered the sacred season of Lent with the observance of Ash Wednesday. Marked by the simple yet powerful sign of the cross made from ashes, this day invited us to pause, reflect, and remember our call to turn our hearts again toward God.
Lent calls us to renewal through the practices of prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Through prayer, we were encouraged to deepen our relationship with God by creating space for reflection, Scripture and moments of stillness amid the busyness of daily life. Almsgiving reminds us of the call to be more generous, not only through financial support but also through acts of kindness, service and compassion for others. Fasting invites us to consider what we might set aside to grow spiritually, including fasting from the distractions that can draw us away from presence, gratitude and meaningful connection.
Our Lenten journey was marked by the Opening Mass held on Thursday, celebrated by Bishop Don Sproxton. This liturgy brought our community together in faith and provided an opportunity to entrust the year ahead to God. During the Mass, we also welcomed six Year 12 students who were commissioned as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. In taking on this role, these students accept a responsibility of service and leadership within our liturgical life, assisting with the distribution of the Eucharist and supporting the faith life of our community. Congratulations to Eric, Poppy, Elise, Isabela, Luca and Duccio.
During this Mass, Bishop Don Sproxton also presented our community with the 2025 Spirit Award for LifeLink, recognising our strong commitment to supporting LifeLink’s fundraising initiatives and outreach. The award acknowledged the collective efforts of our community through initiatives such as Muffin Monday, the 1000 Meals Project, and the ongoing dedication of our staff roster at the Cathedral, where food, hospitality and welcome are offered through Shopfront. These actions reflect our shared Gospel call to compassion, generosity and solidarity with those most in need.
As we continue through the season of Lent, may we be encouraged by this recognition and remain committed to living our faith through prayerful reflection, generous giving and a renewed focus on what truly matters.
Join us for Fr Frank Brennan's book launch of 'Pope Francis: The Disruptive Pilgrim's Guide'
Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026
Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Venue: Thomas More Exhibition Centre, John XXIII College
Free but bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/1514428
The book will be available for purchase for $25. Attendance may count towards CEWA accreditation hours.
Janeen Murphy
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission
Community Mass
Next Friday, families in Koolyangarra House are especially welcome at Community Mass, and to coffee afterwards in the Circle of Friends. Students in Kooly will be preparing the Eucharist, after their House Day on Thursday. However, not just Kooly families, but all are welcome to our Friday Eucharist.
We will proclaim the readings for the second Sunday of Lent, which includes the account of some disciples experiencing Jesus being transfigured in glory. It is a reminder that the focal point of the Lenten season is the Resurrection of Christ, who overcomes death through love and self-giving.
At our Eucharist on Fridays, we will also be supported by six Year 12 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who were installed by Bishop Don Sproxton at the College Mass yesterday. In his homily, Bishop Don pointed to the leadership and witness of these students in the life of the College. In order to prepare for their new ministry, the students had to commit to attending a 6-hour training in their own time. It is a blessing for the College to be served by this group of Year 12 students, and we extend our gratitude to:
Poppy, Duccio, Elise, Luca, Isabela and Erik.
If you have any questions regarding our Friday Eucharist, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley: mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au
Community Mass details
- College Chapel
- Fridays in term time
- Starts at 8:00am concludes at 8:30am
Sacraments
Do you have a child in Year 3, 4 or 6?
Families are encouraged to enrol their child in their parish without delay. Next week, many parishes will be closing their enrolments for 2026. The College website has links to sacrament program information from some of our local parishes.
Students will be preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation in Year 3, First Holy Communion in Year 4 and Confirmation in Year 6.
Preparing for the sacraments is a three-way collaboration of family, parish and school. This means that parents exercise their right in choosing to enrol their child in the parish; the school provides the learning experiences to prepare the children, and the parish arranges the celebration of the sacrament. Parishes require that students be enrolled.
Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so please don’t hesitate to ask. Below are some useful points of contact:
- The priest or sacrament coordinator in your local parish
- John XXIII College website
- The Archdiocesan website: Parishes & Mass Times
Mary-Anne Lumley: mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au or via phone on
08 9383 0513