Faith Formation and Mission

As we journey through the season of Lent, our community stands at a unique threshold, bridging our past with our future. Having recently celebrated 80 years of Chevalier College under the theme "Open the Door to the MSC Core," we now transition from the joyful celebration of our history to the quiet, transformative work of the inner self. This liturgical season provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on where we have come from and where we are going, ensuring that our dreams and goals for the year are grounded in faith and purpose. By choosing to slow down and pay attention, we give ourselves the space to discover what gives life as we are encouraged to live more like Jesus over these forty days by being kinder, more forgiving, and more thoughtful in every choice we make. As Fr John Mulrooney reminded us at our Ash Wednesday service, Lent is an opportunity to ask ourselves, “Am I living my best self?” 

Opening Mass 2026: Opening the Door to our 80 Years Celebrations

On Thursday, 5 February, the Chevalier College community gathered in the JFC for our Opening Mass, a dual celebration marking the beginning of the new school year and the College’s 80th anniversary. The liturgy focused on the Year 12 theme "Open the Door to the MSC Core", which was symbolised by Mr Miller and the College Captains cutting a ribbon and opening the door to 2026. 

As is tradition, our House Captains and Year 7 representatives also processed in with lanterns to represent the collective spirit of "Chev", which each house represents. As we step through this new door into our eighth decade, we do so committed to the MSC charism, loving with a human heart and walking humbly with God. 

Ash Wednesday 

Our school community gathered in the JFC on Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of the 40-day season of Lent. Led by Clancy House, the liturgy provided a sacred space for students and staff to "reset" and turn their hearts toward God. During the service, we received ashes as a symbol of our humility and a reminder that we are always invited to "begin again". 

A Journey of Spirit and Connection: The Year 7 Retreat 

The Year 7 Retreat was a day defined by discovery, allowing our newest students to step out of their comfort zones and into the heart of the Chevalier College community. It was a time to build trust within our Houses and establish a true sense of belonging as we began our journey together. 

A significant portion of the day was dedicated to exploring the rich heritage of the College to help students understand how the school has evolved into the school it is today. The retreat was as much about the future as it was the past. Through hands-on activities, students discovered more about the charism which underpins the school and the spirit of their own houses. The day concluded with an introduction to the affirmation process, which forms an essential focus of every student retreat.  

Project Compassion 

Each year during Lent, the College supports Caritas Australia through Project Compassion. This year’s theme, Unite Against Poverty, invites us to think about how our compassion for others can move beyond words and become real action. This term, there will be multiple opportunities to get involved and unite against poverty. A new challenge called Water Warrior will be introduced, where representatives from each House will carry buckets of water through an obstacle course. Houses will earn advantages on the day based on their fundraising in the lead-up to the event. 

Later this term, for St Patrick’s Day, Reid House will also host its annual cake stall. In preparation for this important tradition, Gemma and Matthew (Reid House Captains) and Ms Glase (Reid Leader of House) recently represented the college at the diocesan launch of Project Compassion in Wollongong. 

This Lent, let us accept the invitation to Unite Against Poverty. Through giving, learning, and joining together, we bring the message of the Gospel to life within our world today.