Faith and Mission

On March 21, our school community celebrated Harmony Day, a time to recognise and appreciate the rich diversity of cultures that make up our society. More than just a day of celebration, Harmony Day connects deeply with our Catholic values, particularly the teaching that every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity and respect.

At the heart of Catholic Social Teaching is the belief that every individual—regardless of their background, language, or culture—has inherent worth. As St. Paul reminds us:

'There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' (Galatians 3:28)

Jesus himself welcomed and embraced people from all walks of life, showing us that God’s love is universal and unconditional. Harmony Day calls us to live out these values by fostering inclusion, understanding, and unity in our school and beyond. It is an opportunity to reflect on how we can be a more welcoming and just community, ensuring that everyone feels a true sense of belonging.

As Pope Francis reminds us in Fratelli Tutti:

'Each of us is called to be an artisan of peace, uniting and not dividing, extinguishing hatred and not holding on to it, opening paths of dialogue and not raising new walls.'

Australia’s multicultural story is one of resilience, inclusion, and hope. Over the past 50 years, more than 7.5 million migrants and 1 million refugees have made Australia home. Each of these individuals brings a unique cultural identity, adding depth and strength to our national character. 

Yet, as much as we celebrate diversity, alarming national and global trends remind us that racial injustice and discrimination remain persistent issues. Across the world, hate crimes, xenophobia, and systemic inequalities continue to rise, fuelling division and social unrest. In Australia, racial discrimination still affects many communities, from First Nations peoples to migrants and refugees, highlighting the urgent need for greater inclusion and equity. Harmony Day serves as a critical reminder that combating racism requires ongoing commitment—through education, advocacy, and fostering a culture of respect, dialogue, and unity in all aspects of society.

At John XXIII College, our motto, 'Seek Justice,' calls us to stand against discrimination and uphold the dignity of every human person. Inspired by Ignatian spirituality, we are called to care for others, welcome the stranger, and build a future where diversity is celebrated as a strength, not a division.

Our Governor-General, Sam Mostyn words remind us to focus on care, kindness and respect.

'Care for each other. Care for those who do the caring of others. Care for our extraordinary continent and its environmental beauty. Care for civics and institutions and care in the way in which we discuss and debate the issues of our time without judgement or anger.'

This spirit of care and respect is essential in building a stronger, more compassionate society. It challenges us to listen to each other’s stories, challenge injustice, and create a community where everyone—no matter their background—truly belongs.

May this Harmony Day inspire us all to work toward a world where everyone is valued, respected, and embraced as part of God’s family.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

Thank you to Year 12 students who prepared this morning’s Community Mass, and to all students and families who gathered for our Eucharist on Harmony Day.  

Friday 4 April is the date of the next Community Mass, which will be prepared by students of Italian who are preparing for their study tour. 

There is NO Friday Mass in Week 8, due to Parent-Teacher-Student interviews taking place that day. 

All are welcome to our weekly celebration of the Eucharist.  Just come to the Chapel in time for an 8:00am start. The bell rings at 7:50am as a reminder! After Mass, there is coffee in the Circle of Friends Café for those able to stay.

If you have any questions about Community Mass, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley: 

mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au

Community Mass Details

• College Chapel
• Fridays in term time
• Starts: 8:00am and concludes 8:30am.

Sacraments

Do you have a child in Years 3, 4 or 6?

Students in these classes are respectively preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. It is imperative to enrol in a parish program as soon as possible as some parishes have already closed their enrolments for 2025.

Each parish has their own unique Sacrament program. Information from some local parishes is provided below and on the College website. 

CLAREMONT – ST THOMAS APOSTLE 

Currently accepting enrolments.

Contact: Silvia.kinder@cewa.edu.au

COTTESLOE – ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA

First Holy Communion – enrolments close Monday 24 March

Confirmation – enrolments close Monday 25 August.

Enrol online here: Sacramental Programme | St Mary Star of the Sea & Corpus Christi Churches

Full details are available on the College website.

Further queries: Natasha Colli, sacraments.cottesloe@perthcatholic.org.au

Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so don’t be afraid to ask:

• Your parish priest or Sacrament Coordinator
• John XXIII College website
• The Archdiocesan website: Parishes & Mass Times
•  Mary-Anne Lumley on email or via phone on  08 9383 0513

Good News for the 3rd Sunday in Lent

The Church gives us some rich scriptural texts during the seasons of Lent and Easter. This weekend’s Gospel is from Luke 13:1-9; the text can be accessed here. 

Fr Michael Tate, from the diocese of Hobart, offers this beautiful reflection on the Gospel. It is used here with permission.

There was a terrible disaster when a building fell down killing eighteen people. Some said, ‘Oh, those killed must have been sinners, they or their parents.’ Jesus repudiates that notion: ‘No, it wasn’t for anything they did.’ It was clear to Jesus that they were the victims of poor construction and conditions at Siloam. Look at the builder.

Responsibility needs to be brought home to those who would otherwise hide behind an ideology, or the sheer self-interest of evading blame for a situation. To identify those really responsible may well require major changes to the way society is organised.

Does it all seem too difficult? Jesus helps us with a metaphor:

You are like a fig tree.

You may not be bearing much fruit just now,

but, I am a terrific gardener:

I will water you,

and dig around you,

and make sure you are well nourished

and I am confident that

you will bear the fruits I desire

Our Lord does that by:

watering us with the waters of baptism;

pruning us, especially during Lent;

nourishing us with the bread of life in Holy Communion.

We might pause at various times during Lent 

to allow Our Lord to ‘garden’ us, and so  

create a heavenly botanical garden, 

a new Eden, of the whole of humanity.

© Michael Tate

Rev. Prof. Michael Tate was a Senator for Tasmania from 1978-93 and Ambassador to The Hague and the Holy See from 1993-96. He is currently Vicar-General in the Archdiocese of Hobart and is an Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Tasmania where he lectures in International Humanitarian Law.