Faith and Mission
Each year, Christian communities around the world celebrate the Season of Creation, a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment and consider how we can promote peace with the natural world. At the same time, in Western Australia, we are in the season of Djilba, the Noongar season of renewal and growth. Both occasions remind us of the importance of caring for the world we share and the responsibility we bear as stewards of creation.
As we move through this season, it is worth pausing to appreciate the beautiful campus that surrounds us. The gardens, trees, and open spaces are not just a backdrop for learning; they are daily reminders of the gifts we have received. Our grounds inspire gratitude and call us to respond with care and respect, remembering that we are part of a broader community of life.
The Season of Creation is more than a time for reflection; it is a call to action. Each of us has a responsibility to make choices that protect and sustain our common home. Simple decisions, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and walking or cycling instead of driving, help preserve the environment for everyone. Picking up litter or planting native species can have a lasting impact. The choices we make matter, especially for those in our community who are most affected by environmental challenges.
We recognise the deep wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have cared for this land for thousands of years. Their understanding of how to live in harmony with nature is essential, and their traditions of stewardship continue to teach us about respect, responsibility, and connection.
To put our values into practice, we invite all College families to join the Sustainability Club’s Community Planting Day on 18 October from 8:00am to 9:30am. This is a practical and rewarding way to show our commitment to caring for our common home. By working together to plant native trees and shrubs, we strengthen our campus environment and set an example for future generations. Register here.
Prayer for the Season of Creation
Written by Michael McGirr
God of all life,
We thank you for the gift of creation,
For the water that keeps us alive,
For our food and shelter,
All of which come from the generosity of Earth.
We thank you for the very air we breathe
Which we share with every creature.
May we take good care of Earth
As our common home takes care of us.
May we work for justice for those
Most hurt by damage to our environment.
May we enjoy the beauty of nature
And pray that it be treated with deeper respect.
Jesus asked us to learn from the lilies of the field
And the birds of the air.
We ask this in his name
Amen.
Janeen Murphy
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission
Community Mass
This morning, Year 12 students prepared our community liturgy, their last during their time at the College. Over the past few years, many of these students have made rich contributions to Friday Mass as altar ministers, choir members, cantors, readers, bell-ringers or Homeroom leaders who participated themselves and encouraged a friend or family member to come with them. It is a good time to remind our community that alumni are also very welcome at our Community Mass – and we hope to see our current Year 12s on future occasions.
For our final Eucharist of the term, on Friday 26 September, it will be Magis students who prepare it. Magis families – and all families – are invited to give thanks for the term before beginning the holidays. As always, there is good coffee and great conversation afterwards in the Circle of Friends Café.
If you have any questions about Community Mass, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley.
Community Mass details
- College Chapel
- Fridays in term time
- Starts at 8:00am concludes at 8:30am.
Sacraments
Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so don’t be afraid to ask.
The parish priest or sacrament coordinator is the best point of contact for sacraments in a specific parish. For any general enquiries about the sacrament program, contact Mary-Anne Lumley or via phone on 08 9383 0513
Good News for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The readings we proclaimed at this morning’s liturgy are those that people will also hear at Mass this Sunday. In his first letter to the young disciple, Timothy, Saint Paul gives advice on prayer. He says in part:
My advice is that, first of all,
there should be prayers offered for everyone
– petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving –
and especially for kings and others in authority, so that
we may be able to live religious and reverent lives in peace & quiet…
In every place, then, I want the people to lift their hands up reverently in prayer,
with no anger or argument.
(1Tim. 2:1-8)
In a world where there is widespread conflict, it is a timely reminder to pray for world peace and for our world leaders, that they may be guided. Our leaders need our prayer! Guided by Church instruction on the liturgy, the prayer of the faithful mirrors the advice of Paul to Timothy, when we pray for our Pope, for world leaders, for community leaders – and for leaders of the future!
Image: Susan Daily ibvm