Catholic Identity

Prayer at the Heart of Our Community

Prayer has been the gentle thread holding our community together this term. Whether in our classrooms, liturgies, or staff gatherings, it continues to remind us of God’s presence in our everyday lives. As Scripture tells us, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

This was beautifully seen during our Confirmation Commitment Mass, where our Year 6 students stood in front of their families and parish to affirm their readiness to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a joyful moment of prayer and promise, supported by the wider faith community.

This week, we also gathered for end-of-term liturgies, where each year level paused to celebrate their learning and offer thanks through prayer. It was uplifting to see families join us, sharing in the spirit of gratitude as students brought their units of work to a prayerful conclusion.

Over the term, our Juniors unpacked the parable of the Good Samaritan, reflecting on what it means to show kindness, compassion, and love for our neighbour and our seniors explored the commandment to “love the Lord your God… and love your neighbour as yourself,” recognising it as the greatest commandment. These Gospel stories have come to life in their learning and actions, shaping the way they see themselves and others.

Prayer is also alive in our staff community. Each week, staff members take turns leading prayer at our meetings, creating a space to pause and reflect together. Our LSO team also begins their meetings with prayer – this week, lovely Ms Rachel led a thoughtful reflection that grounded the team’s important work in supporting our students. We also take this moment to give thanks for Miss Karen, whose years of dedication, kindness, and care have been such a blessing to St Joseph’s. Her presence has left a lasting mark on our community, and we hold her in our prayers with deep gratitude. These small but powerful moments remind us that prayer is not only something we do with students, but something we live and share with each other.

As we come to the end of this term, we give thanks for the many ways prayer has shaped our community — and we look forward to continuing to walk together in faith next term.

Miss Donnella DeVisser

Religious Education Leader