Mission and Identity

'Heavenly Father, thank You for this season of Lent. Cleanse my heart, strengthen my faith, and guide my steps in righteousness.'

Our Lenten Journey

Last week saw the commencement of Lent with our moving Ash Wednesday liturgies. Our time of preparation for the 40 days leading up to Easter reminds us of the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. All valuable ways that we can deepen our connection to Jesus and show solidarity to our brothers and sisters around the world and in our local community.

If you would like to commence your Lenten prayer journey, sign up for Lent Prayer 40 at https://hallow.com/  and take a small moment each day in prayer and reflection. 

Our College Lenten Appeal, Ungana Kuwasha, supports Mannya Parish, Uganda, a partner community deeply connected to the Edmund Rice tradition. The appeal reflects the 2026 Year 12 theme, For All, With All, which calls our community not simply to give to others, but to stand with them - recognising shared dignity, shared humanity, and shared responsibility.

To support this appeal, students can purchase pancakes each Tuesday morning before school during Lent. The Edmund Rice Society sell these from 8:00 am.

Direct donations can be made via the TryBooking link:

https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/spxedmundriceappeal

You can learn more at the Ungana Kuwasha Appeal by visiting our website: 

https://www.spxedmundriceappeal.com.au/

Year 5 Formation Day

‘From little things, big things grow’ Mark 4:30, was the theme for the Year 5 Formation Day held on last Friday. It was a wonderful opportunity for the boys to spend a day together whilst reflecting on Edmund Rice and his legacy.

Boys reflected on the Parable of the Mustard seed- the smallest seed which grows into one of the largest plants, and as our newest members of the community, we will nurture them and watch them flourish during their time here at the College.

They enjoyed hands on activities which allowed them to look at the life of Edmund Rice, the Touch Stones and Bible passages - words which all form a strong foundation upon which they can build their relationships with self, others and their God.

Thank you to Mr Di Sano for running the day, and for the wonderful support of Mrs Greenwood and the Year 5 teachers who provided invaluable insight and direction for their classes. 

Youth Mass

Last Sunday evening students from Pius and Mercy joined together to lead and participate in our first Parish Youth Mass for 2026. It was a wonderful turn out and Fr Hien led us through a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist.

In the First Reading, we heard the story of the temptation of Adam and Eve. Temptation comes in all shapes and sizes in our own lives and can be the key factor that turns us away from being loving, accepting and selfless.  Temptation, by its very name, is there to tempt us - the allure that there is something good on offer can, at times, be enticing. This Lent, we are all encouraged to become aware of the ways we may be tempted to turn away from God - this could be through acts that do not uphold the dignity of another, actions that are self serving, and attitudes that destroy and do not build healthy relationships.

That you to all staff and students who attended Mass and especially those who generously gave of themselves to lead music, read prayers and assist in the Liturgy.  It was a wonderful way to show our school spirit and share our faith with the local community.

Mrs Gabrielle Scanlon - Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity