FAITH MATTERS

November holds a special place in the life of the Catholic Church. It is a month dedicated to remembering - remembering those who have gone before us, remembering the hope we hold in the Resurrection, and remembering the invitation to pray for all the faithful departed. Pope Leo XIII once reflected that November invites the Christian heart to turn with tenderness toward those who have left this world, renewing our trust in God’s mercy and the promise of eternal life. His words continue to speak gently into our lives today. 

At St Mary MacKillop College, this theme of remembrance has been woven deeply into our prayer, reflection, and community life throughout the month. Just this week, on 11 November, our school gathered in unity for a brief but meaningful Remembrance Day service. Together we paused to honour the courage and sacrifice of Australian service men and women who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace and justice. Through prayer, silence, and the laying of a wreath, our students and staff were invited to reflect on the cost of freedom and the ongoing call to be peacemakers in our world. 

This month reminds us that remembrance is not passive. It calls us to hold the stories of others with respect, gratitude, and compassion. It challenges us to build communities where dignity, peace, and hope flourish - values at the heart of our Josephite tradition and our life together here at MacKillop. 

May this month of remembrance draw us closer to God, closer to one another, and closer to the hope that Mary MacKillop lived so faithfully: “We are but travellers here.” And as travellers, we walk in gratitude for those who have journeyed before us and in responsibility for those who will come after. 

Prayer of Remembrance 

Lord of all, 

We remember those whom we love but see no longer. 

We remember the courage of all who served in war and the countless lives changed by conflict. 

We remember the vulnerable—those who long for peace today. 

Bring comfort to the grieving, rest to the departed, hope for the weary, and peace to our world. 

Make us instruments of your compassion here at our school, so that our daily actions reflect your Kingdom of 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