MISSION CENTRAL

A Big Thank you 

Thank you to our Saints families for your generosity  

The SRC and Service Captain Jayden Cox thank you all for the donations which totalled 54 baskets plus $3000 in purchased goods. This is an outstanding effort and these  gifts will certainly make a difference this Christmas to many families in Cairns and the surrounding areas. 

A message from Jayden

"Housing in Cairns is scarce, employment hasn’t been restored to pre-Covid condition, and it looks like it will be a very grim Christmas for thousands of Australians. I challenged our students to give a few dollars to the Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal, and we have done so much more than that as the figures above show. These goods will go to people in need in our local community, and have a colossal impact on them. All I can do is say thank you; thank you for supporting this cause, and thank you for thinking of others." 

SRC representatives

I thank the SRC representatives of 2023 for their outstanding contribution to the College this year. They engaged in many activities throughout the year including reading at Friday morning Mass, collecting the Vinnies donations and representing the College in a variety of ways. They have displayed Marist characteristics throughout their leadership and the College recognises and thanks them. It is truly inspiring to work with such compassionate and thoughtful young men. 

Service awards

This year many students have engaged in service that has been organised through the college and self-initiated. Fifty students from Years 7 to 11 were presented with awards at our final assembly. These awards ranged from bronze to platinum. The highest award reflects 40+ hours of combined service in the College and in the community. In addition, five students were recognised for their service in IT to the College. Congratulations and well done to Patrick Maher, Finn Slade, William Johnston, Cooper Connors and Lucas Brierley for your IT service which has been invaluable. 

Rosies

Rosies has been well supported by our Year 11 students following the Year 12s' graduation. They have even volunteered to help on the school holidays. Well done, and I look forward to next year's service opportunities for Rosies. 

Advent Christmas liturgy

The College united for the last time this year at our Advent Christmas liturgy today. The focus was on how we can make a difference by the gifts we give this Christmas. The list is endless: generosity, strength, kindness, compassion, love, understanding, caring, patience and forgiveness. Each gift on its own is a powerful force for good in the world, but when united  they become an unstoppable force that can change the course of human history – just as they did two thousand years ago when they came together for the birth of  Jesus. What are you going to give this Christmas? 

As the calendar year comes to an end on 31 December, the liturgical year is now about to end too. This weekend marks the start of Advent which prepares us for Christmas when we  celebrate the arrival of our Saviour Jesus who brings light to the world and hope for us all. I wish you all a Christmas full of joyful memories. Happy Christmas and stay safe over the break. Take care and God bless.