Director Faith and Mission
Mrs Loretta Shannon
Celebrating the Nativity of Mary – Our College Feast Day
At St Mary’s College, 8 September holds a very special place in our calendar. On this day, the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the birthday of Mary, our college namesake and patron. It is fitting that this beautiful Marian feast is also the day on which we come together to celebrate St Mary’s College Feast Day.
The Nativity of Mary invites us to celebrate not only Mary’s birth, but the beginning of a life that would become part of God’s extraordinary story of love. Mary could not have known all that her life would hold. Yet, as she grew in faith, she became a woman of deep trust, courage and openness to God. Her willingness to say “yes” would eventually lead her to welcome Jesus into the world and to accompany him faithfully throughout his life.
For our College community, Mary’s birthday provides an opportunity to reflect upon the qualities we see in her life. Mary teaches us to listen with open hearts, trust God when the way ahead is uncertain, show compassion to others and have the courage to say “yes” when we are called to serve. Her life reminds us that seemingly ordinary acts of faith, kindness and generosity can become part of something much greater.
On Tuesday 8 September, our F–12 College community will gather for our St Mary’s Feast Day Mass at 11:30am in the MPH.
Together, we will give thanks for Mary, celebrate the community that proudly bears her name, and ask for her continued prayers for our students, staff and families.
As we celebrate Mary’s birthday and our College Feast Day, may we continue to follow her example and recognise the unique part each of us has to play in God’s story.
May Mary inspire us to say “yes” with our words, our actions and our hearts, as together we remain Guided by Faith and Driven by Purpose.
Mary, Mother of Jesus and patron of our College, pray for us.
A Prayer for the Nativity of Mary
Liturgical Calendar
Ordinary Time
We are 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
If you are interested in your child completing their Sacrament of Eucharist, see the schedule for 2026. Families 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