Faith and Mission
John XXIII College
As we begin Term 4, we do so having just celebrated the Feast Day of Pope Saint John XXIII, on 11 October. His life and example continue to shape the values and culture of our community.
Known as "Good Pope John", he is remembered for his warmth, humility and hope. He led the Church through a significant period of renewal by convening the Second Vatican Council and encouraging greater openness, dialogue and engagement with the wider world. He was also a strong advocate for peace, justice and the dignity of every person.
One of his important contributions was his encyclical Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth), written at a time of global tension and conflict. In it, he called for respect, understanding and cooperation among peoples and nations. More than sixty years later, its message remains deeply relevant. In a world still marked by war, division and uncertainty, his call to build peace through justice, compassion and respect for human dignity continues to challenge and inspire us.
As one of our founders of John XXIII College, his vision remains central to who we are. He valued learning, welcomed new ideas and believed in building communities where all people feel respected, included and supported. These qualities align closely with our mission to form young people of competence, conscience and compassion.
May the example of Pope Saint John XXIII inspire us throughout Term 4 to be people of hope, to seek peace in our relationships and communities, and to continue serving others with generosity and compassion.
As we begin this final term of the year, we also invite our College community to join with people around the world in praying for Pope Leo XIV following his recent cancer diagnosis and surgery. We pray that he will experience God's healing presence, strength in recovery and the support of the global Church community.
Janeen Murphy
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission
Community Mass
Thank you to the Year 11s who prepared today’s liturgy for us. We proclaimed the readings from this Sunday, and Fr Huy has kindly shared his homily, which is printed (slighted shortened) below.
Next week, our Eucharist will be prepared by students in Year 8. All families are welcome!
Community Mass details
- College Chapel
- All welcome!
- Fridays in term time
- Starts at 8:00am; concludes at 8:30am.
Good News for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
THE GOSPEL
The Pharisees and Herodians asked Jesus:
‘Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in an honest way, and that you are not afraid of anyone, because human rank means nothing to you. Tell us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’
Jesus replied, ‘Why do you set this trap for me? Let me see the money you pay the tax with.’
They handed him a denarius, and he said, ‘Whose head is this? Whose name?’
‘Caesar’s’ they replied.
He then said to them, ‘Very well, give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God.’
Matthew 22:15-21
THE REFLECTION
People value the coin because it has Caesar’s image, just as an authentic Australian coin has the image of the king. Without Caesar’s image, without the king’s image, a coin loses its value and purpose.
In the same way, human life bears God’s image. The life of each of us has meaning and purpose because we belong to God. Without God, our life loses purpose.
Because we are made in God’s image, we have life, we have purpose. We are filled with God’s goodness. We are filled with God’s beauty. With God, we are good and beautiful.
Because we bear the image of God, we belong to God. But belonging to God is not just something we believe in; it is something we live out every day.
The way we live shows how we reflect God’s image. When we share our creativity, use our intelligence, bring joy to others through our sense of humour, or show empathy and understanding, we make God’s presence visible in our lives.
God can also be seen in hos we look at others, how we respond to their needs, and how we share the gifts we have received. These are ways we give back to God what already belongs to God.
May we continue to discover the image of God in our hearts, and may we continue to discover the goodness and beauty in others. © Huy Huynh CSsR
Fr Huy is a member of the Redemptorist Community in North Perth. The Redemptorists generously the faith life of our College community.
Parish News
Local parishes have asked us to share this information with our College community.
FLOREAT/WEMBLEY PARISH
PARISH SECRETARY
St Cecilia’s is seeking a Parish Secretary to work alongside the Parish Priest and assist with administration duties for the Parish and to support the day-to-day functions of the parish. The position is part-time, 15 hours per week. To express your interest, please put in the subject line of the email: Floreat/Wembley Parish | Expression of Interest.
Please email your CV & Cover letter to parishsupport@perthcatholic.org.au.
COTTESLOE/MOSMAN PARK PARISH
ST CARLO ACUTIS
Parishioners of Claremont, Nedlands and Cottesloe, along with friends and students of The University of Western Australia, John XXIII College, Iona Presentation College, St Thomas Primary School and Shenton College, are warmly welcomed to attend the St Carlo Acutis exhibition at the parish hall of St Mary Star of the Sea, Cottesloe.
Saturday, 17 October, 9:30am – 6:00pm – Youth Day
Youth Mass and procession of the First Class Relic of St Carlo Acutis, followed by talks and activities throughout the day. The exhibition will be hosted by youth. Young people from parishes and schools who would like to help on this day, please call Jane on 0409 966 872.
Sunday, 18 October, 9:30am – 7:00pm
Procession of the Relic after Mass at 10:00am, 12 noon and 5:00pm.