Faith Formation and Mission

On 24th October, Pope Francis released his most recent encyclical, Dilexit Nos. The encyclical on the Sacred Heart shares a deep resonance with the charism of Fr. Jules Chevalier. Both emphasise a compassionate vision, with Christ's heart symbolising God’s boundless love for humanity and the world. Just as Jules Chevalier saw the Sacred Heart as the remedy for the ills of the world, the Pope also highlights the Sacred Heart as a source of healing and mercy, urging followers to embody love, reconciliation, and unity—values at the heart of Chevalier’s mission. 

This alignment between Francis and Chevalier reflects a unified call to transform the world through a heart-centred approach that mirrors Christ’s love and compassion in action. Here are some of the excerpts which so beautifully align with our Spirituality of the Heart:

“The heart of Christ is ‘ecstasy’, openness, gift, and encounter. In that heart, we learn to relate to one another in wholesome and happy ways, and to build up in this world God’s kingdom of love and justice. Our hearts, united with the heart of Christ, are capable of working this social miracle.”

“It is only by starting from the heart that our communities will succeed in uniting and reconciling differing minds and wills, so that the Spirit can guide us in unity as brothers and sisters. Reconciliation and peace are also born of the heart.”

“The heart makes all authentic bonding possible, since a relationship not shaped by the heart is incapable of overcoming the fragmentation caused by individualism…A society dominated by narcissism and self-centeredness will increasingly become ‘heartless’”

Chevalier Day and Mission Fair 

In Week 2, we celebrated Chevalier Day when we remember the incredible legacy of Fr Jules Chevalier, Father Founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC). Jules had a conviction that the love found in the heart of Jesus was the remedy for the ills of the world.

This vision of love and compassion is still alive today in our Chev community and in MSC communities around the world. We started the day with a liturgy and finished the day with Mission Fair where we raised funds to support vulnerable members of our community both near and abroad. The college was honoured to have Mr Peter Stapleton (CPS 1950), the last remaining student from 1946, join us for our liturgy and share with us his memories from school.

Year 10 Retreat 

In week 3, Year 10 students travelled to Stanwell Tops for their first overnight retreat. The retreat’s theme “The Heart Inside – Be True to Yourself” challenged students to look beyond the social demands and peer pressures experienced today, and instead recognise their true self. Ultimately, it is a true self which is loved by God. 

The first day started with some outdoor adventure activities before entering more deeply into the retreat experience. On the second day students affirmed the true self in each other before concluding with Eucharist.

A big thank you to all the staff who attended the retreat and journeyed with the students through this experience. 

Christmas Appeals 

Gethsemane Project 

The Gethsemane Project puts into action Jesus’ words in the Garden of Gethsemane “wait here, stay, be with me.” It aims to help some of the most vulnerable members of society feel like they are not alone. This year, each homeroom is asked to put together two packages for vulnerable members of our community. Students will likely be coming home asking for specific items to be purchased under the direction of their homeroom teachers. The packages need to be completed by Wednesday 4th December.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

This year we will be having a bucket run at Carols in the Meadows to support the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. You can donate using cash or online using the QR codes that will be circulating on the evening. If you would like to donate earlier, you can do so HERE.

Bowral Community Christmas Dinner

The Bowral Community Christmas Dinner will once again be held this year. Chevalier College has been asked to support this event by providing Christmas trees and ornaments to decorate the hall. We welcome any donations of new or old trees and ornaments you no longer need.