Faith and Community

Remembrance Day – A Moment of Reflection and Connection

This week our College community paused to mark Remembrance Day, gathering in House groups for liturgies led by our House Leaders and students. These moments provided a space for reflection and gratitude, as we remembered the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve in the pursuit of peace.

Each House liturgy offered a quiet yet powerful opportunity for students to come together, to listen, to pray and to reflect on the meaning of peace in their own lives. These are special moments within our College  times when faith, memory and community meet. In coming together as Houses, we are reminded that faith is strengthened not just in grand gatherings, but in these shared, personal encounters with one another.

At the heart of these liturgies was the theme of hospitality – the openness of heart that welcomes others into our prayer, our remembrance and our hope. Hospitality calls us to make room for the stories and experiences of others, to listen deeply and to extend compassion to those who carry the wounds of conflict or loss. In this spirit, our community prayed:

We turn to you, God, asking that you enfold our planet in your justice, peace and truth. God of peace, justice and infinite mercy, remember your people. Enlighten the minds of those making decisions, melt the hearts of those who inflict cruelty and strengthen the resolve of all who pray and work for peace.

Lee Pethybridge

College Leader - Faith & Community

St Joseph’s College Captains Georgia Mahoney, Rose Byrne and Jamison Knight proudly represented the College at the Echuca Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph. Together, the three girls delivered In Flanders Fields, a poignant reflection of the courage and sacrifice of those who once fought on faraway fields for the freedoms we cherish today. The weather served as a solemn reminder of the harsh conditions endured by soldiers, and the students were humbled and grateful to take part in a ceremony honoring all who have served to secure the peace we now enjoy. Afterwards, the girls reflected on the pride and fellowship shared among the decorated returned soldiers and their families and expressed a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to uphold and share this legacy of remembrance within their own community.

Geordie Butler

Our students were also invited to our twin town community services. Ashlyn Carter and Marlon Micalizzi, our Kildare School Captains, represented our college with reverence. Along with Mrs Titus and Mrs Rani who enjoyed learning about and experiencing an aspect of our national culture. During the service Ashlyn and Marlon graciously laid a wreath on behalf of St Joes. Marlon also assisted throughout as a flag bearer, which played an important part of the ceremony. 

We were all lucky enough to hear an address from Mr Doug Baird OAM. One of a select few awarded with an Order of Australia Medal, in recognition for his outstanding service and contribution to the community. Mr Baird delivered a heartfelt and moving speech that shared his memorable and inspiring story.

This is excerpt from our St Joseph’s Remembrance Day Liturgy highlighting our College Values:

‘On Remembrance day. We remember. 

We remember soldiers with courage, Nurses with compassion 

We remember too with eyes that look upon the world with wonder 

Those who fought for justice 

Mates who comforted one another in hospitality 

We remember with hearts full of hope 

Hope for peace in places where it seems lost and forgotten’.

Holly Morris

Liturgy Leader