Catholic Identity 

Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Yesterday was the Feast of St Mary MacKillop. Today, as a school community, we commemorated this very special day in the Australian Church's calendar with Mass. 

Mary of the Cross MacKillop is Australia’s first saint. A saint is person who the Church recognises as someone who is especially close to God and devoted their lives to serving God. Mary MacKillop was born over 180 years ago in 1842 in Victoria. She grew up with seven brothers and sisters. When she was twenty-four, she devoted her life to God and took on the name “Mary of the Cross.” Mary was an ordinary woman with an extraordinary dream. Her dream was to give families and children who lived in poverty an education and safe shelter by opening schools. 

With what little they had, Mary and her friend Father Tenison Woods turned an old stable into a school in Penola, South Australia. In 1866 Mary and Father Tenison worked together to set up the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (also known as the Josephites). This was the first religious order to be founded by an Australian. Mary taught everyone—regardless of gender, race, faith, or wealth— while serving with love and compassion. She and the Sisters of St Joseph went wherever the need was greatest. They gave up everything to live and teach amongst the people they served.

We ask St Mary of the Cross MacKillop to continue to intercede for all of us, that we may truly be a community of people who are Jesus to all those around and 'never see a need without doing something about it'. 

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us!

Sacramental of Confirmation 2024

The following students are celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation next Friday, 16th August, in the OLSC Sports Centre at 6:30pm:

Last Wednesday, our Confirmation Candidates participated in a Spirituality Day, during which they reflected on the importance of the sacrament in their own lives. They learnt about the key liturgical moments within the sacrament itself, and role played the anointing with Chrism Oil. Following the celebration of individual reconciliation, they designed and painted their own images of their Confirmation Saints. These will be displayed at the celebration next Friday, and then will be given back to the candidates as a momento of this important evening. 

Last Wednesday evening, candidates with their families, also attending a family evening to further develop their understanding and preparedness to celebrate the sacrament. 

This Tuesday, Bishop Martin visited OLSC to speak with our Confirmation Candidates. He spoke to them about the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life and work of Jesus. He also spoke to the candidates about how they will know that the Holy Spirit is alive in them. Finally, Bishop Martin spoke to them about their Saints and how they are inspirations to all of us through their lives. 

Some reminders:

• Confirmation will next Friday, 16th August in the OLSC Sports Centre.
• Mass begins at 6.30pm. Candidates and sponsors to arrive no later than 15 mins prior to Mass, to collect their stole, Confirmation Card, Confirmation pin and gift, show their sponsor to their seat and prepare for the entrance procession. 
• Candidates to sit with sponsor in the front rows. There will be ample seating for other family and friends behind and to the sides. 
• Candidates to wear ‘Sunday best’ clothing.

Prayer Warriors

The Parish of St Andrews and the Wyndham Vale Catholic Community is calling all Prayer Warriors to join in praying for the construction of a new church on the block next to OLSC, set aside by the parish for that purpose. As we are aware, plans are in motion for this to happen, and many initiatives will soon begin to help. One such initiative will be gathering as many people as possible to lift their hearts in prayer for the success of the project. So, we invite all our school community to join us in praying for the church building. As a family, you may choose to use this, or another prayer, in your daily prayers:

Yahweh, Divine Architect,

Creator of our Human Family;

Risen Jesus,

Cornerstone of our Faith,

Lover of us all;

Spirit of Wisdom,

Builder of community,

Our Inspiration and Guide;

You call us to build up Your Kingdom.

Bless us with 

generous hearts,

open minds, 

greater unity,

renewed vision,

as we seek to build a house

for celebration and worship.

May it be a home where all are

welcomed, nourished, and empowered

to be Christ for others.

Amen.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, pray for us.

St Joseph, pray for us,

St Andrew, pray for us. 

Columban Art Calendar 2025

Gospel Challenge

Each Friday morning, in place of our usual meditation and prayer, we have a 'Gospel Challenge'. During these challenges, we listen to the coming Sunday's Gospel reading and reflect on its meaning. You are invited to join your child's learning group at 8.50am for this time in prayer. The Gospel Challenge goes for roughly 5 minutes.

We would love to see as many parents and family members join us as possible!

School Masses

School Masses will take place twice a term this year.  Our celebrations are open to all of those in our school community, and we hope to see as many of our families join us for Mass.  Our next Mass is Friday, 13th September at 12pm in the Sports Centre.  Please find below times and dates of all of our school Masses for 2024. 

Community Mass in 2024

Community Masses have resumed and will take place every third Sunday of the month. Mass takes place in the OLSC Sports Centre at 10am. After each Mass there will also be the opportunity to join in Fellowship, so we invite to bring a plate of food to share. Spread the word!

2024 Community Masses will be as follows:

Follow and like the Wyndham Vale Catholic Community Facebook page to get updates and further information about Community Masses and other events. 

John Dini

Catholic Identity Leader