Faith and Mission

Prayer for the First Sunday of Lent

Gospel Matthew 4:1-11 – The Temptation of Jesus

Lord Jesus, You entered the desert for forty days,

fasting, praying, and facing temptation.

You know our weakness, our struggles, and our hunger

for comfort, for power, for security.

When we are tempted to choose what is easy

instead of what is right,

give us courage to be faithful today

and better tomorrow.

When we hunger for things that do not truly satisfy,

remind us that we do not live on bread alone,

but on every word that comes from God.

Make us humble of heart, trusting not in ourselves

but in Your providence.

When we are tested in faith,

help us lean on the Cross

and place ourselves confidently in God’s hands.

As we journey through this Lenten season,

lead us into the desert of our hearts.

May prayer make us strong,

humility make us gentle,

and mercy move us to serve those most in need today.

Draw us closer to You,

that our lives may shine with compassion and truth,

and lead others to the joy of Your Resurrection.

Amen

Shrove Tuesday - Tuesday 17th February

Student Leaders prepared pancakes for all students and staff across the College. This was a very successful event where our Student Leaders worked diligently at providing the entire student and staff cohort with a pancake for their gold coin donation for ‘Project Compassion’. Thank you to our student leaders and all who donated to this fundraiser. Funds raised will contribute to the Project Compassion Social Justice Initiative for Term 1. There are more Project Compassion Fundraisers to come this term, so watch this space.

Ash Wednesday – Wednesday 18th February

Lent began with Ash Wednesday on 18th February, a day of reflection and commitment to the Lenten Season. During our College Liturgies staff and students received ashes on their forehead in the shape of a cross, as a sign of humility and a reminder to turn their hearts toward God and toward others in love and service. Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of the 6-week Lenten journey. Students participated reverently in our Ash Wednesday Liturgy on Wednesday morning, which was led by our Executive Team and Year 12 and Year 6 Student Leaders. Congratulations to our Student Leaders for the reverent and confident way that they led our College community in this sacred Liturgy.

Caritas – Project Compassion

Project Compassion was also launched during the Ash Wednesday Liturgy. At our College, we are proud to support the vital work of Caritas Australia through its annual Lenten campaign, Project Compassion 2026. Caritas Australia works in partnership with vulnerable communities both overseas and within Australia to address poverty, promote justice, and uphold human dignity. Project Compassion 2026 continues this mission by sharing powerful stories of hope and resilience, inviting us to stand in solidarity with those experiencing hardship. Through fundraising, prayer, and awareness, our College community joins a national effort to support sustainable development, improve access to education and healthcare, and empower individuals and communities to build brighter, more secure futures.

The 2026 theme for Project Compassion 2026 is “Unite Against Poverty,” inviting communities across Australia to come together in solidarity with those living in poverty and marginalisation around the world. It’s a call to action rooted in unity, reflecting Jesus’ prayer for all to be one, and encourages prayer, fundraising, advocacy, and compassionate service during Lent to help create a more just and dignified world for all.

The students have been challenged to come up with fundraising ideas in their homegroups. The homegroup who raises the most money who will receive a prize for their efforts. Each homegroup has been provided with a Project Compassion money box. Project Compassion boxes have also been distributed to students for use at home over the Lenten Season and will be collected at our Easter Liturgy on the final day of term 1.

More Project Compassion College Fundraisers will be advised over the coming weeks.

At St Mary’s College we have two House Patrons see below for an outline of each Patron and their Charism

Mercy Charism of Catherine McAuley

The Mercy Charism of Catherine McAuley is rooted in the conviction that mercy is the compassionate love of God made visible through practical action. As founder of the Sisters of Mercy in 1831, she envisioned a community that would respond immediately and effectively to the suffering of the poor, especially women and children. For Catherine, mercy was not sentimental but active, expressed through compassion, hospitality, and service that upheld the dignity of each person. Her approach combined tenderness with strength, prayer with action, and trust in Divine Providence with practical organisation.

This charism gave rise to ministries in education, healthcare, social outreach, and advocacy, always adapting to the “needs of the time.” Catherine emphasised creating welcoming spaces of safety and hope, addressing both immediate needs and the deeper causes of injustice. The Mercy tradition continues globally today through schools, hospitals, universities, and justice initiatives, carrying forward her vision of a faith that is lived through courageous love, respect for human dignity, and transformative service.

St Anthony of Padua

The charism of Anthony of Padua is centred on proclaiming the Gospel with clarity, compassion, and deep knowledge of Scripture. A Franciscan friar and renowned preacher of the 13th century, Anthony combined intellectual brilliance with profound humility and love for the poor. His spirituality was rooted in the Franciscan values of simplicity, poverty, and devotion to Christ, especially through Scripture. Known as a powerful preacher and teacher, he sought to lead people to conversion by making the Word of God understandable and relevant to everyday life.

St. Anthony’s charism also reflects a strong commitment to justice and care for those in need. He defended the poor against exploitation, encouraged restitution where wrong had been done, and emphasised mercy alongside truth. His legacy continues through devotion to him as a helper in times of loss and need, and through ministries that unite faith, learning, and compassionate outreach. His life models a balance of scholarship and service, preaching and pastoral care, grounded in deep love for Christ and concern for the marginalised.

Prayer spaces and Prayer Cloths

Prayer spaces have been busily prepared by our students. Purple is the colour of Lent, our Year 6’s have done an awesome job of thoughtfully preparing their spaces with various pledges for action this Lent (see below). Prayer cloths have been distributed to every homegroup for use in their prayer focus. Prayer cloths which include the College theme, will be part of a procession in our Opening Liturgy on March 5th.

Opening College Liturgy

Our Opening College Liturgy will take place on:

Thursday 5th March at 9:00am in the Multi-Purpose Hall.

This includes the presentation of our Student Leaders for 2026.

Families are warmly invited to attend this very special occasion on our College calendar.

Blessings!

Loretta Shannon

loretta.shannon@smseymour.catholic.edu.au

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