Faith and Mission
As we start this new school year, we extend a warm welcome to all families, both returning and new to our John XXIII College community.
This year holds special significance as we prepare for the Jubilee Year 2025, proclaimed by Pope Francis with the theme Pilgrims of Hope. A jubilee is a time of spiritual renewal, a call to embrace God’s mercy, and a reminder to walk together in faith. As a school, we are invited to reflect on what it means to be people of hope—hope that inspires justice, strengthens our relationships, and deepens our commitment to serving others.
Our College is grounded in the legacies of our three founders—St Ignatius of Loyola, Pope St John XXIII and Mary Ward—each of whom embodied the themes of the Jubilee in unique ways. St Ignatius calls us to be 'contemplatives in action,' seeing God in all things and responding with love. Pope St John XXIII, known as the 'Pilgrim Pope,' encouraged the Church to open its doors with hope and renewal. Mary Ward’s vision of education and justice reminds us of our responsibility to seek truth and act with courage.
This year is also a momentous one as we celebrate 150 years of Loreto in Australia. Founded on the principles of Mary Ward, the Loreto tradition continues to inspire us, particularly through the value of Verity—seeking and living out the truth with integrity and faith. This commitment to truth aligns deeply with our mission as a school, calling us to educate with wisdom, act with justice, and nurture a spirit of faith-filled discernment.
Throughout the year, we will explore the themes of the Jubilee—prayer, pilgrimage, and works of mercy—through our liturgies, retreats, and service opportunities. At the same time, we acknowledge the rich legacy of our Jesuit and Loreto heritage, reflecting on how the value of Verity can guide us in our daily lives.
Together, let us embrace this special time as a community of faith, walking as pilgrims of hope and seeking justice in all we do. May this year be one of growth, faith, and unity. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Janeen Murphy
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission
Community Mass
Thank you to our wonderful community of students, parents and staff who gathered in the Chapel this morning to celebrate the Eucharist. We were reminded that Churches in Australia will celebrate ‘Sunday of the Word of God’ this weekend.
One of the primary ways in which the faithful honour God’s Word in the liturgy is by faithfully listening to the proclamation of the readings and the homily, and by discerning the various ways in which God’s Word applies to their lives.
An important point to remember here is the Second Vatican Council’s insight that Christ’s presence is recognised in the actual ‘proclamation’ of the Word, when the Church believes that Christ is present and speaking to those assembled through the words of the Church’s minister [Sacrosanctum concilium (1963) art. 7], rather than in the physical book itself. [1]
At our Community Eucharist, everyone is welcome, especially new families. If you are new to the College or have previously not attended a Community Eucharist, just come to the Chapel in time for an 8:00am start. There is no reserved seating. The celebration is always joyful, with singing lead by a student choir and readings proclaimed by student readers. After Mass, there is coffee in the Circle of Friends Café for those able to stay.
Thursday, 13 February – is the next Community Mass. This is due to the Secondary Swimming Carnival. Mass begins at 8:00am and concludes at 8:30am.
If you have any questions about Community Mass, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley.
[1] Dr Paul Taylor, former Director of the Na8onal Office for Liturgy Word of God Sunday 2025 -- Liturgical Notes.pdf
Student Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Each year, a select group of Year 12 students commits to be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and assist at various Masses during the school year. For 2025, these students are: Logan Blake, Jackson Bosnich, Luke Green and Zoe McIlree. These students participated in the required six-hour training program during the holidays. We look forward to commissioning them at the whole College Mass on Tuesday, 18 February.
Sacraments
Do you have a child in Year 3, 4 or 6?
Parishes are now finalising enrolments for their sacrament programs. It is imperative for children to be enrolled in a parish program, even though they will be prepared for the sacraments in their Religion classes.
Each parish has its own unique Sacrament Program. Information from some local parishes is provided below.
DOUBLEVIEW – OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
Enrolments close: Friday, 21 February. doubleview@perthcatholic.org.au
See here for enrolment information.
NEDLANDS – HOLY ROSARY
Enrolment evening for parents/carers
Tonight! Friday, 7 February, 6:00pm.
Parish Centre, 45-47 Tyrell Street, Nedlands.
SCARBOROUGH – IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Enrolments close: second week in February.
See here for enrolment information and details on each of the sacraments.
SUBIACO – ST JOSEPH’S
Expressions of interest for the 2025 sacrament program close at the beginning of February.
Further information here.
elaine.eng@stjosephssubiaco.org.au
Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so don’t be afraid to ask:
- Your parish priest or Sacrament Coordinator
- The Archdiocesan website: Parishes & Mass Times
- Mary-Anne Lumley on email of via phone on 08 9383 0513