Director Faith and Mission

A Prayer for Our Lady of Fatima – Feast Day 13 May

Loving God,

on this Feast of Our Lady of Fatima,

we turn to Mary, our Mother,

who appeared with a message of prayer, peace, and hope.

Mary of Fatima,

you called people to turn their hearts toward God,

to pray with trust,

and to work for peace in a troubled world.

Teach us to listen deeply to God’s voice

and to respond with courage and faith.

At St Mary’s College,

help us to follow your example of compassion, humility, and service.

May we be people of peace,

bringing kindness where there is division,

hope where there is uncertainty,

and mercy where it is most needed.

As Catherine McAuley reminds us,

“We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”

May we shine Christ’s light in our words and actions each day.

Our Lady of Fatima,

pray for us,

guide us in faith,

and help us always draw closer to your Son, Jesus.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Liturgical Calendar

As we continue through the joyful Season of Easter, the Church remains in a time of celebration and hope, reflecting on the Resurrection of Jesus and what it means for our lives today. The Easter season lasts for fifty days, beginning on Easter Sunday and leading us toward the great celebration of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples.

A significant moment within this season is the Feast of the Ascension (14 May) when we remember Jesus returning to the Father in heaven after His Resurrection. Before ascending, Jesus entrusted His disciples with the mission to continue His work and promised that they would not be left alone but strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Ascension reminds us that Christ is always present with us and calls each of us to live as witnesses of hope, kindness, and faith in our daily lives.

As a school community, this is a special time to reflect on how we continue the mission of Jesus through our actions, service to others, and commitment to living out Gospel values. We look forward with hope as the Easter season continues and we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (24 May).

Staff Professional Learning – ‘Music as Prayer’

On Monday 5 May, staff gathered for a reflective and enriching Professional Learning session - Music as Prayer: Praying Our Lives, as part of the Our Daily Bread series. The session invited staff to consider the powerful role that music can play in nurturing spirituality, wellbeing, and connection, both personally and within our Mercy community. Through prayer, reflection, listening experiences, and conversation, staff explored how music can become a meaningful way of encountering God in everyday life. 

Drawing on the words of Pope Benedict XVI, staff reflected on the idea that “Music can become prayer,” recognising how melodies and lyrics have the capacity to lift the spirit, stir emotion, and connect us more deeply with ourselves, one another, and God. Through moments of active listening, humming exercises, scripture reflection including Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God,” and consideration of the “soundtrack of our lives,” staff were encouraged to reflect on the music that has shaped moments of joy, challenge, memory, and faith. 

Grounded in our Mercy charism, the session reminded us that prayer takes many forms and that music has a unique capacity to build community, inspire hope, and bring peace. As we continue to foster staff formation at St Mary’s College Seymour, opportunities such as these invite us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the sacred in creative and meaningful ways.

Upcoming Events

Term 2 Social Justice Initiative – ‘Vinnies Winter Appeal’

As the colder months approach, St Mary’s College will once again support our local community through the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

On Friday, June 12th, in recognition of the Feast of the Sacred Heart, students are invited to wear casual clothes and bring along a non-perishable food item to donate to St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies). Collection of items will occur between June 12 – 26.

Donations such as canned food, pasta, rice, long-life milk, breakfast cereals, tea, coffee, and spreads will help support local individuals and families experiencing hardship this winter. Please ensure that items have an appropriate date range to support the ongoing distribution of products. Items that are out of date cannot be used by Vinnies.

As a Mercy community, we are called to respond with compassion and generosity, putting our faith into action. We encourage everyone to be “All In” this winter, helping bring warmth, dignity, and hope to others. Thank you in advance for supporting this important initiative. Our contact at Vinnies has expressed her deep appreciation for the support that St Mary’s has provided to the community through this initiative for many years.

Reconciliation Week 2026 – Save the date

During Reconciliation Week 2026, we are invited to reflect on this year’s powerful theme: “All In.” This theme calls each of us to commit wholeheartedly to the ongoing journey of reconciliation walking together with truth, respect, courage, and hope. As a Mercy community at St Mary’s College, reconciliation speaks deeply to who we are: people called to justice, compassion, dignity, and respectful relationships.

We warmly invite all members of our school community to join us for our -

Reconciliation Week Liturgy on Wednesday 3 June at 9:00am in the MPH

Through prayer, story, scripture, music, and reflection, we will gather to honour and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while recommitting ourselves to the important work of healing and unity.

This year’s liturgy will explore what it means to be “All In”, not simply in words, but through action: listening deeply, learning truthfully, and building relationships grounded in dignity and respect. Together, we will reflect on how each of us can play a part in shaping a more just and hopeful future as faith in action.

We encourage families and community members to join us as we come together in faith and solidarity, recognising that reconciliation is not a single moment, but a shared commitment we continue to live each day. 

St Mary’s College Sacramental Program 2026

The Sacramental Program commenced with the Reconciliation Information Night on 29 April. 

Please note the change to the Sacrament which will now all take place at 6pm rather than the morning session then the liturgy in the evening.

Reconciliation Sacrament and Liturgy at 6pm in the church.

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 email Mrs. Loretta Shannon at the College loretta.shannon@smseymour.catholic.edu.au

Blessings!

Mrs Loretta Shannon

loretta.shannon@smseymour.catholic.edu.au