Faith and Mission

Community Mass

The first Community Mass for Term 4 is on Friday, 11 October, and will be prepared by students in Year 11.

As 11 October marks the official Church feast of Pope Saint John XXIII, our Eucharist will particularly honour our College founder and namesake. Pope John XXIII is rightly recognised for convening the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council to bring about an aggiornamento (an updating) of the Church. Indeed, the dating of his feast is not arbitrary; it is actually the anniversary of the opening of the Council, on 11 October 1962. However, even prior to Vatican II, Angelo Roncalli, had made rich contributions to the Church and the world. 

Most notably in 1963, and while the 3-year Council was in progress, Pope John XXIII released a landmark encyclical, Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth), in the context of the Cold War and the threat of nuclear conflict. 

Dr Sandie Cornish says of Pacem in Terris: 

It was the first time a major Catholic Social Teaching document was addressed not just to Catholics but to all people of good will. It was also the first time a social encyclical used the language of ‘signs of the times’. … Pacem in Terris is also notable for its detailed reflection on human rights. It remains one of the most extensive listing and affirmations of human rights in Catholic Social Teaching.[1]

The most recent Social Justice Statement from the Australian Catholic Bishops draws inspiration from Pacem in Terris. As a College whose motto is Seek Justice, it can also inspire us, and we look forward to celebrating the feast of Pope Saint John XXIII in our Eucharist on Friday, 11 October at 8:00am.

Community Mass summary

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

[1]Pacem in Terris - Peace on Earth - Social Spirituality (social-spirituality.net)

This Sunday’s Gospel

Mark 9: 30-37  

All who wish to be first must make themselves the servants of all 

Throughout his ministry on earth, Jesus walked a path of compassion, humility and service. He embodied a true spirit of wisdom and understanding. Even when Jesus was aware that powerful forces were plotting against him and his death was imminent, he never lost sight of his desire to serve others.

In the Gospel, Jesus gently challenges his disciples to abandon their self-importance and ambition and instead follow his example of solidarity alongside the weak and powerless. Jesus turns human power-values on their head: his greatness comes from putting the needs of others first.

In the Second Reading, true wisdom is described as pure, gentle, kind and full of compassion. It directs us to become peacemakers. It is an antidote to the petty ambitions, jealousies and power-plays that were emerging in the early Christian community. We would do well to heed these words of caution in our communities today.

These readings are summed up in part of our College Prayer: 

“May our happiness come from the joy of serving others”.

In a world full of discord and fear, may we have the grace to be true servants of the poor and powerless and the strength to sow lasting seeds of peace and harmony. ©

Adapted reflection from ‘Prego’, St Beuno’s, UK – a ministry of the Jesuits in Britain. Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B, 22nd September 2024 – St Beuno's Outreach (wordpress.com)