Prayer for the Third Sunday of Lent

Gospel John 4:5-42

The Samaritan Woman at the Well

Loving God,

As we journey through this season of Lent,

we gather at the well with the Samaritan woman,

thirsty for hope, truth, and new life.

You know our hearts completely

our struggles, our doubts, and our deepest desires

yet you still invite us to come and receive the living water

that only Christ can give.

Open our hearts to Your grace,

that Your Spirit may become within us

a spring of faith, kindness, and compassion.

Teach us to worship You in spirit and in truth.

Help us to look beyond differences,

to welcome one another with understanding and respect,

and to share the ‘Good News’ with courage and joy.

May our college community be refreshed by Your living water,

so that through our words and actions

others may come to know Christ,

the Saviour of the world.

We ask this through Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Opening College Liturgy 2026

St Mary’s College community gathered at the beginning of the 2026 school year for the Opening College Liturgy on Thursday 5 March. This was a celebration that brought together students, staff and families in prayer, reflection and hope for the year ahead. The liturgy centred on the College theme for 2026: “Guided by Faith, Driven by Purpose.” This theme invited the community to reflect on how faith shapes our choices and how purpose inspires us to serve others.

A Celebration of New Beginnings

In welcoming the community, Mrs Gordon reminded students that the beginning of a school year brings new friendships, new challenges and new opportunities, as well as new leadership within the College. Drawing on the words of Jesus from the Gospel of John, “I am the Light of the World,” students were encouraged to see Christ’s light as the guide for their actions and decisions throughout the year.

The liturgy also honoured the College patrons, Catherine McAuley and St Anthony of Padua, whose lives of mercy, service, wisdom and truth continue to inspire the College community today.

Procession and Opening Rituals

The liturgy began with a procession led by student leaders, who carried the Mercy Processional Cross, banners, candles, badges and prayer cloths representing the different Houses and Homegroups. This symbolic procession reflected the unity of the College community from Foundation to Year 12. Well done to each Homegroup for their thoughtful preparation of the prayer cloths to be used in classroom prayer spaces.

Listening to the Word of God

During the Liturgy of the Word, the community listened to Scripture reflecting the theme of light and leadership. The reading from Isaiah proclaimed, “Arise, shine out, for your light has come,” while the Psalm reminded us, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” A passage from St Paul’s letter to Timothy encouraged young people to lead by example in faith, love and conduct. In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus’ words, “You are the light of the world,” challenged students to live with kindness and service. The reflection and prayers invited the community to follow Christ’s light and continue the Mercy tradition of compassion, hope and purpose.

Presentation and Commissioning of Student Leaders

A special highlight of the liturgy was the presentation of the 2026 Student Leadership Team. Student leaders were presented with their badges and acknowledged for their commitment to serve the College community with humility and integrity.

In a powerful symbolic ritual, leaders received a lighted candle from the College Candle, representing Christ as the Light of the World. As each candle was lit, the

words “Guided by faith” were spoken, with the response “Driven by purpose.” This exchange symbolised the responsibility shared by leaders to carry the light of Christ into the life of the College.

During the Commissioning of Student Leaders, leaders pledged to lead with courage, service and integrity, drawing inspiration from Catherine McAuley’s mercy and St Anthony’s wisdom.

Welcoming New Staff

The liturgy also included a Commissioning of New Staff, welcoming educators who are beginning their journey at the College. They committed themselves to nurturing students with care, generosity and faith while contributing their gifts to the life of the College community.

All staff were then invited to stand for a Commissioning of Staff, reaffirming their shared mission to guide students in learning, faith and character.

A Blessing for the Year Ahead

The liturgy concluded with a Closing Blessing, reminding students and staff to carry Christ’s light into their classrooms, friendships, homes and wider community. The final hymn, “This Little Light of Mine,” joyfully echoed the message of the day, that every member of the College community has a light to shine and share with others.

The Opening College Liturgy was a powerful reminder that as a community we walk together ‘Guided by faith and Driven by purpose', ready to make a positive difference in the lives of others throughout 2026.

Project Compassion

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.

Below are some feature stories from the Caritas website which support us to understand more fully the work of Caritas and Project Compassion.

Project Compassion - Caritas Fundraiser

See the flyers below for Information about our College Fundraiser on Monday 30th March.

ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS TO DRESSUP (it would also be great to see some Staff dressed up)

There will be prizes for the best dressed!

Primary Students ONLY - complete the 'Big Water Walk' @ 12pm

Our Primary community is taking on The BIG Water Walk together!

We will walk around the oval to support people in Africa, Asia and the Pacific who have to walk long distances to collect clean water every day. They are often carrying a bucket and their small children at the same time (hence the bucket and doll/teddy)

Our walk, and every dollar raised, will create lasting change and help empower people to lift themselves out of poverty.

For further Information speak to Mrs Shannon and the Ignite Students

Easter Liturgy

Term 1 will culminate with our Easter Liturgy. It will occur in the MPH on Thursday 2 April at 9:00am. Families are warmly invited to attend this Liturgy which explores this very special time in our Liturgical calendar. Our Project Compassion fundraising will culminate at this time.

Blessings!

Mrs Loretta Shannon

Director Faith and Mission

loretta.shannon@smseymour.catholic.edu.au

Primary Year 5-6