Catholic Identity

Mary MacKillop - Australia's First Saint

Next week, on August 8, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. Mary MacKillop was a woman of deep faith, determination, and compassion. She lived by the words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” and dedicated her life to helping those who were poor, vulnerable, or forgotten by society.

As co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph, Mary worked tirelessly to bring education to children in rural and disadvantaged communities — often facing great hardship, criticism, and even excommunication along the way. Despite this, she never gave up on her mission or her trust in God.

Her commitment to providing Catholic education in small communities extended to our part of Victoria, with the first Josephite school in the state established in Numurkah in 1890 — not far from Tongala. Mary’s vision to serve country children lives on in schools like St Patrick’s, where we continue to educate with faith, love, and a sense of justice.

As we honour her feast day, may we take time to reflect on how we can follow her example in our own lives — seeing the needs around us and responding with compassion and love.

“Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.” – Saint Mary MacKillop

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.

A Call to Peace and Solidarity

As a Catholic school community, we are called to be people of peace, compassion, and justice. In recent times, the world has continued to witness the heartbreaking effects of conflict and displacement — particularly in places like Ukraine, Gaza, and other regions facing unrest.

These global events can feel far away, but they invite us to reflect on the kind of world we hope for — one where all people can live in safety, dignity, and peace. As followers of Jesus, we are reminded of His message to love our neighbour and stand with those who are suffering.

We encourage families to take a moment in the coming week to pray for peace and to hold in their hearts those who have been forced to flee their homes or live amidst fear and uncertainty. Organisations such as Caritas Australia are working tirelessly to support communities in crisis, providing vital aid and hope in desperate times. You can learn more about their mission or donate at www.caritas.org.au.

Let us pray together:

God of peace,Where there is conflict, bring calm.Where there is fear, bring courage.Where there is suffering, bring comfort.May we never take our peace for granted,and may we always hold others in our hearts.

Amen.

Upcoming Events

Seven Catholic Social Teaching Principles

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

The CST principles which inspire our work are:

• Human Dignity
• Common Good
• Solidarity
• Subsidiarity
• Preferred Option for the Poor
• Care for Creation
• Participation

Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God.