Mission
On Wednesday, 20 September, we celebrated our Year 12 Graduation Mass and Academic Awards Ceremony, reflecting on the journey, contributions and achievements of our class of 2023. We welcomed Bishop Mark Edwards and Father Bradley Rafter who concelebrated our Mass.
We gathered with parents and carers, grandparents and family members, the College Leadership Team, House Leaders, teaching and support staff, Year 11 and Year 12 students from our College Community.
We were joined by invited guests; representing the Presentation Sisters, Sister Colleen Maloney; representing the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga, Dr Andrew Watson, Director of Catholic Education, Mrs Prue Horan, Assistant Director of Catholic Education and Ms Carmel Spry, System Performance Leader - Secondary; Mr Andrew McIntosh, Chair of the Mater Dei Catholic College Council. We also had many families join us on the live stream to view this celebration.
Our Eucharistic Liturgy called forth our students to be blessed and sent forth into the world carrying the light of Christ in their hearts, minds and hands. This intention was reflected in the theme of our Mass, ‘You are the Light of the World’.
Our Liturgy began with an entrance procession, where students brought forward symbols to place upon the prayer space, reflective of their time of learning, sport, culture, music and the arts at Mater Dei. As our House groups processed in, they bowed together, symbolising their unity as Christians before God. The bond of love and friendship these students share will continue beyond Mater Dei Catholic College, holding a strong presence in their lives in the future.
In a touching moment at the conclusion of our Mass, Year 12 students were called forth into the world carrying the light of Christ in their hearts, minds and hands. While our musicians and singers played the beautiful piece of music, ‘Go Light Your World’, our students came forward to receive their House Candle from their House Leader. They were reminded to “Always remember, you are the Light of the World. Let your light shine bright, for all to see!” Once the students were assembled before us, Bishop Mark came forward to pray a blessing over our graduates, before students led the closing procession.
May I take this opportunity to wish our Year 12 class of 2023, every blessing for the future. Please know that we will continue to hold you in our prayers and in our hearts as you conclude your time at the College, prepare for the HSC, and life beyond school. May our loving God go with you.
May the blessing of God surround us.
May the angels and friends share our journey.
May we be safeguarded, loved and cherished.
May we walk on holy ground.
May people of faith inspire us.
May wisdom and justice empower us.
May we be wise and strong and creative.
May we celebrate life and hope.
May God’s image grow within us.
May laughter and courage heal us.
May the Gospel of life sustain us all the days of our journey home.
And until we meet again may we be held
In the palm of God’s hand.
Amen
Mrs Amelia Bright | Acting Leader of Mission