Ministry News
Dear Students, Staff and Families,
As we come to the close of another enriching term and semester, we give thanks to God for the many blessings experienced in our Catholic community. This term has been a time of reflection, service, celebration, and deepening faith.
Faith in Action - Throughout this semester, students have actively participated in a wide range of liturgical celebrations, prayer services, and outreach initiatives. Highlights included:
Lenten and Easter Liturgies – These meaningful events invited our community to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and rejoice in the Resurrection.
Year Level Retreats – Students in Years 8 and 12 have engaged in powerful retreats focused on personal growth, community building, and spiritual formation.
Classroom Prayer and Reflection – Daily prayer and fortnightly masses at St Thomas' Church with Fr Victor helping to ground our learning in the presence of Christ.
Social Justice and Outreach - Our Catholic 'Call to Serve' others was made real through several heartfelt initiatives this semester, guided by the Gospel value: "Never see a need without doing something about it."
Caritas Australia – Project Compassion - During Lent, students engaged in fundraising and awareness activities to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. Their efforts helped fund programs that uphold human dignity and promote sustainable development for vulnerable communities worldwide.
Community Days Supporting Charities - This semester we celebrated several Community Days dedicated to raising awareness and support for those living with physical and mental challenges. Students led inclusive activities and raised funds to support organisations that work tirelessly to uphold the dignity of every person.
Food Drive for Scone Community Pantry - In a spirit of generosity and solidarity, students and families contributed non-perishable items to our recent food drive. Donations were delivered to the Scone Community Pantry, directly supporting local families facing difficulties.
Student Leadership in Ministry - Our student leaders have embraced their roles with commitment and faith. From leading prayer, to helping coordinate masses, to supporting justice initiatives, they have been outstanding witnesses to Gospel values in action.
For our students
Expressions of interest have opened for 100 young people across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to join Bishop Michael for ACYF25 - a national gathering of Catholic youth, from Grade 10 through to 25 years old. The experience provides young people an opportunity to come together and connect whilst deepening their faith and relationship with Jesus. It’s not a conference; it’s a Catholic festival. For more information and to register visit - Australian Catholic Youth Festival - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Looking Ahead
Next term, we look forward to:
• Celebrating the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, honouring her legacy of faith and service.
• Continuing our support for Catholic Missions, including the Yr 12 St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleepout to raise awareness and funds for those in need.
• Hosting more retreats and formation days to deepen our faith journey and build a stronger, hope-filled community.
• Participating in the Parish Jubilee Mass with parishioners and families from St James' Primary School.
As always, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our staff, families, and parish in nurturing the faith life of our students. May the upcoming break be a time of rest and renewal for all.
Let Us Pray
"Loving Father, as we come to the end of this semester, we thank you for your many blessings. We are grateful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others. We thank you for the challenges that have helped us to grow in faith and understanding. We ask for your forgiveness for the times we have fallen short, and we pray for your grace to help us learn from our mistakes.
We ask for your peace and refreshment during the upcoming holiday break. May we be renewed in body, mind, and spirit, ready to embrace the opportunities of the new term. Grant us wisdom and guidance as we look ahead and help us to live in accordance with your will.
We pray for all students, teachers, and families, that they may experience your love and presence in their lives. May our school community continue to be a place where faith, learning, and service flourish. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."
Vinnie Cooper
Ministry Coordinator
“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14