Faith and Mission
On Monday, John XXIII College was the recipient of the 2024 Sustainability Award at the Quality Catholic Education Awards, a reflection of the College’s commitment to environmental conservation, stewardship, and sustainability. Guided by Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for our common home, the College embraces the challenge to protect creation and foster respect for the environment.
The Carnaby's Black Cockatoo Conservation Project was launched by Mr Adrian Sims in response to the clearing of the Gnangara Pine Plantation, a vital habitat for the endangered Black Cockatoo. Over the last two years students, teachers and parents have planted over 300 native trees and shrubs, creating a food source for these birds. This initiative reflects our responsibility to care for God’s creation and aligns with the Laudato Si call to safeguard biodiversity and nurture the earth as a shared home for all.
Winning the 2024 Sustainability Award reminds us of the importance of integrating our faith with action. By living out the values of Laudato Si, we demonstrate that protecting the environment is not only a practical duty but also a spiritual responsibility, ensuring a sustainable future for humanity and the planet.
The link to the clip about the Carnaby's Black Cockatoo Conservation Project can be found here.
Janeen Murphy
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission
Community Mass
Next Friday, students in Year 8 will prepare the Mass for the Feast of All Saints. In every Eucharist the community recognises that it is part of the Communion of Saints, and Friday’s feast honours all holy women and men of the past and present.
As always, families are especially welcome to participate in this celebration of the Eucharist and in the Circle of Friends Café afterwards for coffee.
Community Mass summary:
- College Chapel
- Fridays in term time
- Starts: 8:00am and concludes 8:30am.
Gospel for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
THE GOSPEL - Mark 10:46-52
‘As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and to say,
“Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.” And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet … Jesus stopped and said,
“Call him here.” So they called the blind man.
“Courage,” they said “get up; he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus…’
The reflection – Dr Mary Coloe pbvm
‘[In Sunday’s gospel], blind Bartimaeus models what discipleship entails. In his poverty he calls out to Jesus knowing that only Jesus can give him what he truly desires. When he is healed, he leaves behind all he has and becomes a follower of Jesus on the way that will lead to the cross…’
Coloe concludes with a challenge:
‘Bartimaeus is able to name his deepest need and seek the one who can fulfil this. Can I leave aside the external trapping that can distract me from following my heart’s desire?’
Part of a longer reflection by Presentation Sister and New Testament scholar, Dr Mary Coloe, pbvm. Her website is http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/staffhome/macoloe/