FAITH MATTERS

This evening, staff, students, parents and family will come together for the Graduation Mass and Dinner to mark the end of thirteen years of schooling for the 2024 Year 12 cohort.

As a Catholic school, we understand the importance of a dignity-centred education and the impact that the role model of St Mary MacKillop has had on these young people. We pray that as adults, they continue taking the values of dignity, respect, compassion, reverence, generosity, and forgiveness with them in their lives beyond our college and into the larger world.  We hope that the light of Christ continues to guide their lives, as they share their gifts with the people they meet. We encourage our students to take the word of God with them as they go. 

Congratulations to the parents, guardians, families, teachers, and mentors who have guided and supported these young adults. Thank you so much to the staff who assisted with the preparations for the Mass (including our wonderful musicians on staff), and to Fr James for being our celebrant. 

The Feast of Christ the King is this Sunday. This feast celebrates the kingship of Jesus over both Heaven and Earth.

A modern interpretation of the Feast of Christ the King could focus on Jesus as a model of servant leadership and a reminder of the values we should prioritise in our lives. In today’s world, where power is often associated with control, wealth, or influence, this feast invites people to reflect on a different kind of kingship—one rooted in humility, love, and service to others.

For individuals, it could mean:

• Living with purpose and integrity: Recognising Jesus as King challenges us to align our lives with values like truth, justice, and compassion, rather than being swayed by materialism or selfish ambitions.
• Building a kingdom of peace and love: It encourages people to contribute to a better world by advocating for the dignity of every person, helping the marginalised, and promoting harmony in their communities.
• Rejecting the misuse of power: In times of social and political struggles, Christ the King reminds us that true leadership serves others, especially the vulnerable, rather than seeking personal gain.

Ultimately, the feast speaks to the hope for a world where love, fairness, and peace reign—values that are deeply relevant in our divided and fast-paced modern world.

This feast also marks the end of the year for the Church. Next week, starting December 2nd, is the beginning of Advent - a time of preparation for the birth of our Lord, Jesus.

Gracious and Loving God,

As our Year 12 students  prepare to step into the world beyond school, we ask for Your blessings upon them.

Grant them wisdom and discernment in their choices, courage to pursue their dreams, and strength to overcome any challenges they may face. May they carry the values they've learned here with them, and may their future be filled with purpose, joy, and Your guiding presence.

Bless each one of them, Lord, and watch over them in all their endeavors. May they always know that they are deeply loved and supported. In Your name, we pray.

Amen.

Jesus light of the world, guide us

St Joseph, journey with us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Mission