Religious Education & Faith Life

Mary MacKillop

Mary MacKillop is a very special saint to Australians, as she was (and still is) Australia's only canonised Saint. Mary was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne in 1842 and dedicated her life to helping others, especially through education.

Mary co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, a religious order that focused on teaching poor children in rural and remote areas of Australia. At a time when education was not easily accessible, especially for the poor, Mary and her fellow sisters opened many schools across the country. There are many Josephite Catholic Primary Schools in country towns around Australia today. 

Her work was not always easy—she faced opposition from church leaders and even was briefly excommunicated—but she remained committed to her mission. Mary MacKillop was canonised as a saint in 2010, and she is admired for her courage, compassion, and dedication to justice.

Assumption of Mary

On August 15, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, a special day in the Catholic Church that honours the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into heaven—body and soul—at the end of her earthly life.

This feast reminds us of Mary’s deep faith and her unique role in God’s plan. It’s a celebration of hope, love, and the promise of eternal life. Just as Mary was welcomed into heaven, we are reminded that we, too, are called to live lives of faith and goodness.

At St Helena’s, we mark this day with a whole school Mass as we remember Mary’s example of trust and devotion.