Faith In Action
Mary MacKillop Award Program Students
Care for Our Common Home
During Laudato Si’ Week, students involved in the Mary MacKillop Award Program passionately put their faith into action by leading a school clean-up initiative after school.
Inspired by Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for “our common home,” students generously volunteered their time to help clean and restore areas around the school grounds. Through their service, students demonstrated stewardship, responsibility and a commitment to protecting God’s creation.
Working together, students collected rubbish, cleared garden spaces and helped create a cleaner and more welcoming environment for the school community. Their enthusiasm and teamwork reflected the spirit of the Mary MacKillop Award Program and the College values of compassion, service and justice.
The initiative encouraged students to recognise that even small actions can make a meaningful difference in caring for the environment and supporting the wider community. It was wonderful to see students living out Catholic Social Teaching through practical action and leadership.
We thank all students involved for their dedication and willingness to serve others through their care for our school environment.
Honouring Mary Through Prayer in the Month of May
Throughout the month of May, students gathered together every Monday in prayer to honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus, through the praying of the Rosary.
As a Catholic tradition, May is dedicated to Marian devotion and provides an opportunity for the school community to reflect on Mary’s faith, humility and trust in God. Students reverently participated in lunchtime Rosary gatherings, creating a prayerful space for reflection, unity and spiritual connection.
Through each mystery of the Rosary, students were encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ by following Mary’s example of compassion, courage and discipleship. These gatherings served as a reminder of the importance of prayer within our daily lives and the strength that comes from praying together as a faith community.
It was wonderful to witness students willingly dedicating their time to prayer and embracing the spirit of Marian devotion during this special month. We thank all students and staff who participated and helped foster a sense of faith and community across the College.
“May it be done to me according to your word.” – Luke 1:38
Faith in Action: Bringing Hope This Winter
St Vincent Winter Appeal: Share the Warmth Day
Our SRC Leaders are coordinating two collection drives this winter to support vulnerable members of our wider community through service, compassion and generosity.
The first initiative is the 2026 Vinnies Winter Appeal, led by Faith in Action Team (FIAT) and Social Justice Committee Leaders in partnership with St Vincent de Paul Society. This year’s theme, “Homelessness can be just one sudden crisis away”, encourages our community to respond with empathy and practical support for those experiencing hardship during the colder months.
As part of the appeal, CCC will hold Share the Warmth Day on Friday, 12 June (Week 8). Students are invited to wear winter accessories such as scarves, gloves, beanies and ear muffs over their full school uniform.
Families are encouraged to donate new items such as:
Gilmore: Toiletries
Jackson: Blankets
Kenny: Socks and/or gloves
MacKillop: Scarves
Wright: Beanies
Jesuit Social Services Macarthur Food Drive
In addition, Macarthur House is supporting Jesuit Social Services through a food drive for the Ignite Food Store in Penrith. Macarthur students (Years 7-12) are invited to donate non-perishable food items including pasta, rice, cereals, canned goods, snacks and long-life pantry items by Friday 19 June (Week 9).
Through both initiatives, we are responding to the Gospel call to care for those in need: “For I was hungry and you gave me food… I was cold and you clothed me” (Matthew 25:35–36), while also living out Catholic Social Teaching through the principles of Human Dignity and Solidarity. By supporting both appeals, our school community actively puts faith into action and helps bring hope, warmth and dignity to others during a difficult time.
Responding to the Call: Vinnies Van Sleeping Bags Donations
Our school community has once again shown incredible generosity and compassion in response to the urgent call for sleeping bag donations to support the work of the Vinnies Van. With sleeping bags being in constant demand during the colder winter months, many students and families answered the call by donating much-needed items to assist people experiencing homelessness.
We are deeply grateful to all who contributed to this initiative. Through these donations, our community has helped provide warmth, comfort and dignity to some of the most vulnerable members of our wider community.
This generous response reflects our commitment to living out the Gospel call to care for others and putting Faith in Action through service, solidarity and compassion. Thank you for helping make a meaningful difference this winter.
Mrs January Chan
Faith in Action Lead Teacher