Faith, Justice and Formation

Opening Mass

Last Friday students, staff and parents/carers came together to celebrate our Mass to commence the new school year at the Quaycentre.

The Mass was centred around the theme of love, as something truly needed in our world at this time, but most significantly coming from our College Theme for 2026, “Stand firm in faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). The readings and hymns came from this theme showing we are summoned by love to help create a better world for all, while also reflecting the EREA Touchstone of Gospel Spirituality. 

We were blessed to have Fr Geoff Plant celebrate our Mass, speaking eloquently and enthusiastically in his homily about the theme and the Gospel which came from the EREA Charter’s scripture passage for Gospel Spirituality, the Samaritan Woman at the Well from John’s Gospel. He spoke of what faith means in different contexts and how we are thirsting for the living water, those things that sustain us and that do not leave us empty and wanting for more.

The Year 12 gentlemen welcomed our new Year 5 students House by House with a guard of honour to start the celebrations and throughout we took moments of reflection to consider who we are, what we stand for and how we love. The musicians and choir led the congregation in singing under the direction of Dr Taylor and many staff and students played different roles in the Mass. 

This is a very important day in the College calendar, as we celebrate our faith and academic success – the two arms of Catholic education. As we remind ourselves of what we are about we ask everybody to consider the question, ‘How am I a living spring in my community?’ Hopefully, a big part of the answer to this question, is how we show love, even to those who are different to us with different faiths, experiences, and interests. All of this was central to our liturgical celebration, setting the tone for the year ahead.

Thanks to all parents and carers who joined us and well done to all who were involved in one way or another.

Gillian Daley

Director of Identity