Director Faith and Mission

A Prayer for Pentecost 24 May

Loving God,

On the Feast of Pentecost,

you sent your Holy Spirit upon the disciples

as wind and fire, filling them with courage, 

hope, and new life.

We celebrate the birth of your Church

a community called to love, to serve, 

and to bring your presence into the world.

Send your Spirit upon us now.

Fill us with:

• the fire of your love
• the courage to speak truth
• the compassion to serve others
• and the wisdom to build community

Renew us as your people.

• Where we are fearful, give us courage.
• Where we are uncertain, give us direction.
• Where we are weary, give us strength.

May your Spirit unite us across our differences,

within our community, and in our shared mission.

Help us to be your Church today:

• welcoming to all
• attentive to those in need
• and faithful in all we do

May we go forth as people of hope,

bringing light, peace, and mercy into the world.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Liturgical Calendar

Returning to Ordinary Time

Following the great celebration of Pentecost - the birthday of the Church - we now return to Ordinary Time in the Church’s liturgical year.

While the name may sound like this is a “less important” season, Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary. It is a time for growth, a time when we are invited to live out the message of Jesus in the everyday moments of our lives.

After the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we are sent forth as the disciples were: to be people of faith, hope, and love in our community. In the rhythm of school life, this means showing kindness in the playground, patience in the classroom, and compassion in our relationships.

Ordinary Time reminds us that holiness is found not only in special celebrations, but in daily life - in the small choices we make, the way we treat one another, and the care we show to those around us. As we continue through the term, may we be open to the Spirit at work within us, and strive to live out our faith in simple, meaningful ways each day.

Upcoming Events

Term 2 Social Justice Initiative – ‘Vinnies Winter Appeal’

As the colder months approach, St Mary’s College will once again support our local community through the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

On Friday, June 12th, in recognition of the Feast of the Sacred Heart, students are invited to wear casual clothes and bring along a non-perishable food item to donate to St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies). Collection of items will occur between June 12 – 26.

Donations such as canned food, pasta, rice, long-life milk, breakfast cereals, tea, coffee, and spreads will help support local individuals and families experiencing hardship this winter. Please ensure that items have an appropriate date range to support the ongoing distribution of products. Items that are out of date cannot be used by Vinnies.

As a Mercy community, we are called to respond with compassion and generosity, putting our faith into action. We encourage everyone to be “All In” this winter, helping bring warmth, dignity, and hope to others. Thank you in advance for supporting this important initiative. Our contact at Vinnies has expressed her deep appreciation for the support that St Mary’s has provided to the community through this initiative for many years.

Reconciliation Week 2026

During Reconciliation Week 2026, we are invited to reflect on this year’s powerful theme: “All In.” This theme calls each of us to commit wholeheartedly to the ongoing journey of reconciliation walking together with truth, respect, courage, and hope. As a Mercy community at St Mary’s College, reconciliation speaks deeply to who we are: people called to justice, compassion, dignity, and respectful relationships.

We warmly invite all members of our school community to join us for our 

Reconciliation Week Liturgy on Wednesday 3 June at 9:00am in the MPH. 

Through prayer, story, scripture, music, and reflection, we will gather to honour and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while recommitting ourselves to the important work of healing and unity.

This year’s liturgy will explore what it means to be “All In”, not simply in words, but through action: listening deeply, learning truthfully, and building relationships grounded in dignity and respect. Together, we will reflect on how each of us can play a part in shaping a more just and hopeful future as faith in action.

We encourage families and community members to join us as we come together in faith and solidarity, recognising that reconciliation is not a single moment, but a shared commitment we continue to live each day. 

St Mary’s College Sacramental Program 2026

The Sacramental Program commenced with the Reconciliation Information Night on 29th April. Reconciliation Sacrament and Liturgy was held on May 27th in the church.

If you are interested in your child completing their Sacraments, see the schedule for 2026. Each Year level will receive notifications via PAM as the events come closer.

Any questions please email Mrs. Loretta Shannon at the College loretta.shannon@smseymour,catholic.edu.au

Student Work

Attached are some photos from a recent Faith Education lesson. 

Year 6A completed a task on the beginnings of the Christian religion, with the use of the bible.

Blessings!

Mrs Loretta Shannon

loretta.shannon@smseymour.catholic.edu.au