Catholic Identity & Mission
Reconciliation Round Football and Indigenous Jumper Launch
On Monday 5 May and Wednesday 7 May, Mr Cavalot will begin tryouts for the Reconciliation Round Football match against St Francis Xavier College, to take place on Sorry Day and mark the beginning of Reconciliation Week.
What do sports and Catholic Identity & Mission have in common?
Pope Francis recognised that “The discipline and temperance of athletes, as well as healthy competition, have often been valued as metaphors for a virtuous Christian life.”
This year we will be celebrating with our local Indigenous leaders and the two schools will come together for the unveiling of the Indigenous Jumper prior to the match.
Additionally, a Blessing of the Players and the Jumpers will take place on Friday 23rd May at 8.30am at our weekly Friday Mass which takes place in the College Chapel. As this is a Parish Mass, parents will be welcome to attend the Blessing and you will be invited to attend if your child is selected for the team.
Please note: Friday Mass times will be altered to celebrate the Blessing of the Players and the Jumpers. Regular Friday Mass times are 8.10am-8.35am and all of the community are welcome.
Sion Schools 6th International School’s Meeting, Montreal, Quebec
I recently had the privilege of attending the Notre-Dame De Sion 6th International School’s Meeting, Montreal, Quebec. The focus of the conference was on interfaith dialogue, multiculturalism and inclusion. It highlighted to me that we are a part of a large international network of schools in countries ranging from Turkey to France and from South to North America. Being with such a rich gathering of passionate Sion educators opened my eyes to differences and more often, the similarities we are all facing in the education of our young people. Across the globe our young people are living with and accepting diversity as a part of their normal life, they struggle with similar issues on-line and schools are trying to deliver academic excellence, social and emotional support and growth while living in a more secular society.
It also highlighted to me just how important the full name of our College is. I often hear people refer to our College as “Marist”. We need to ensure we honour the incredible work of our Sisters of Our Lady of Sion and continue to recognise that we are woven into a tapestry of love that provides us with our full identity as a school. Marist-Sion College.
Pope Francis
The recent death and burial of the late Pope Francis has captivated the attention of the world. How blessed we have been to have had such a powerful witness to the hope and mercy of God. Even the harshest critics of the Catholic Church have reflected on the manner of his Christ like leadership which has inspired so many millions of people.
Cardinal Rea, youthful beyond his ninety-one years, captured the essence of Pope Francis, “Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life. He followed in the footsteps of his Lord, the Good Shepherd, who loves his sheep to the point of giving life for them. And he did so with strength and serenity, close to his flock, the Church of God, mindful of the words of Jesus quoted by the Apostle Paul, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).” We have heard that Pope Francis’ last word to those present with him was “thank you.” We thank God for Pope Francis and pray that he now rests in peace.
The Conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on Wednesday 7th May 2025. Many of the Cardinals have spoken of the responsibility of the discernment which is before them, so we join our prayers with the whole Church seeking an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the conclave.
+ Bishop Greg Bennet
Bishop of Sale
We ask you to continue to pray for Pope Francis, that he may find eternal rest in the arms of Mary Our Good Mother and that we pray that the Conclave elect a Pope who will continue his legacy of peace.
Mrs Jacinta Johnston
Deputy Principal: Catholic Identity and Mission