A Prayer for a New Term

Heavenly Father,

As this new term begins, we come before

You with open hearts and hopeful minds.

Thank You for the gift of learning, for new opportunities,

and for the chance to grow in knowledge, wisdom, character and love.

Guide our thoughts and actions each day.

Grant us focus when distractions arise,

courage when challenges feel overwhelming,

and perseverance when the path becomes difficult. Help us to use our time wisely and to give our best in all that we do.

Bless our teachers and leaders with patience, clarity, and inspiration.

May they be instruments of wisdom and encouragement.

Bless our classmates and friends, that we may support one another

with kindness, respect, and understanding.

Lord, remind us that success is not only in achievement and excellence,

but in integrity, respect, and effort.

Help us to learn not just for ourselves,

but to make a positive difference in the world around us.

Protect us, guide us, and walk with us throughout this term.

May all that we do bring glory to You.

Amen.

Staff Spirituality Day 13 July

Prayer Shapes the Way We See, Serve and Respond

On Monday 13 July, the staff of St Mary's College gathered for our annual Staff Spirituality Day, a time to pause, reflect and reconnect with the heart of our shared vocation as Catholic educators.

Guided by our College theme, "Guided by Faith, Driven by Purpose," the day invited staff to explore prayer not simply as something we do, but as a way of seeing the world through the eyes of Christ.

Throughout the day, staff journeyed through five reflective experiences that invited us to Listen, See, Respond, Care, and Trust. Together we reflected on how prayer shapes our relationships, our classrooms, our decision-making, and our commitment to serving others with compassion and hope.

Each session encouraged staff to engage prayer in a different way, through Prayer, Art, Justice, Care for Creation - Ecology, and the inspiring example of Mary, whose courageous "yes" to God continues to challenge us to respond generously to God's call in our own lives.

A highlight of the day was the creation of a collaborative artwork. Each staff member contributed a small painted section, representing their own journey of faith and prayer. Individually, each piece reflected a personal response; together they formed one beautiful artwork, reminding us that while each of us has unique gifts, we are united in one shared mission. It was a powerful symbol of St Mary's College, a community where every person has something important to contribute to the whole.

The day concluded with a blessing over wooden thumb crosses, reminding us that prayer is not confined to a single day but is something we carry with us into every classroom, conversation and encounter.

As staff returned to their work for Term 3, they were invited to continue asking the questions that shaped the day:

Where is God inviting me to listen?
What is God asking me to see?
How am I called to respond?
Who has God placed in my care?
What is God inviting me to say "yes" to today?

We extend our sincere thanks to all staff for their openness, participation and willingness to embrace this time of renewal. May the experiences of the day continue to inspire us as we strive to be a community that is truly Guided by Faith and Driven by Purpose, living the Mercy tradition each day through prayer, service, compassion and hope.

Liturgical Calendar

Ordinary Time

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.

St Mary’s College Sacramental Program 2026

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

The Confirmation Information Night also took place on June 10. The Sacrament will occur on Friday July 31 at 6pm – please note the change of time for this Mass from 7pm to 6pm.

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

Blessings!

Mrs Loretta Shannon

Director Faith and Mission

loretta.shannon@smseymour.catholic.edu.au

The Marian

Guided by faith * Driven by purpose

Newsletter No.10 - 24th July · 24 Jul 2026

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