Faith Formation
and Mission
College Opening Mass
On Tuesday, we gathered for our first College Mass for 2025. This special gathering celebrated the beginning of the academic year in our College Community. We warmly welcomed Fr Andrew Grace who led our Eucharistic Liturgy, along with representatives of the Presentation Sisters, Director of Catholic Education Wagga Wagga, Dr Andrew Watson, the Head of Boarding at Mount Erin, Mr John Bussenschutt and parents of our newly appointed College Captains. It was such a joy to come together to ask God’s blessing on our school community and individual pursuits this year.
College Captains - Lily Stansfield-Smith and Kade Lyons
Boarding Captains - Chelsea Thomas and Mac Drummond
Carroll House Captains - Charlotte Worrell-Barry and Charlie Doherty
Rosarie House Captains - Stella McGarry and Neo Murtagh
Sherrin House Captains - Isabel Edmunds and Edward Fitzgerald
Webber House Captains - Imogen Carey and Clyde Kerr
Kennedy House Captains - Philomena Grigg and Nic Woods
College Captains - Lily Stansfield-Smith and Kade Lyons
Boarding Captains - Chelsea Thomas and Mac Drummond
Carroll House Captains - Charlotte Worrell-Barry and Charlie Doherty
Rosarie House Captains - Stella McGarry and Neo Murtagh
Sherrin House Captains - Isabel Edmunds and Edward Fitzgerald
Webber House Captains - Imogen Carey and Clyde Kerr
Kennedy House Captains - Philomena Grigg and Nic Woods
The theme of our Mass was the theme of the Jubilee Year 'Pilgrims of Hope'. Students were encouraged to find God’s love and grace in our classes, our friendships, our teachers, our lunchtimes and even our most ordinary days.
In the words of Pope Francis,
“Hope does not disappoint. Even in the darkest moments, hope can illuminate the path forward, guiding us to rise above our circumstances and inspire others to do the same”.
Our Year 7 cohort led our entrance procession, bringing forward letters to their Year 12, future selves. These letters outline their hopes, dreams and aspirations for their future here at Mater Dei.
After communion, Fr Grace blessed the College Captain’s badges, before their parents received these from Mrs Thomas and pinned them on their sons and daughters.
To conclude our celebration our Homegroup representatives received their candles from their House Captains, being reminded of the light of Christ, showing us the way, and helping us to Live God’s Message.
“May the light of the candle and the warmth of its flame fill our hearts
with the light and warmth of God’s love.
May we share this light and warmth with each other.”
Following our Mass, parents and invited guests enjoyed lunch with our staff in the Pear Tree Cafe. It was a memorable occasion to commence our school year as a Catholic Learning Community.
2025 Year 12 Retreat - Wednesday 19 February - Friday 21 February
Year 12 Parents are asked to check Compass for important information regarding the 2025 Year 12 Retreat. Buses will be departing at 7:30am sharp and all Year 12 students are expected to arrive at 7:00am.
Year 7 Reflection Day
On Thursday 27 February, Year 7 will share in a day of personal development and community building within a Catholic faith context. Engaging activities and personal testimony will be shared by Az Hamilton from Just Motivation.
Students may wear appropriate casual clothing on the day, along with enclosed footwear. Morning tea, consisting of cupcakes and fruit will be provided. Students with dietary requirements should bring their own morning tea. Further information will be available shortly for parents/carers via Compass. We look forward to a wonderful day of reflection together!
Mrs Rebecca Gill | Leader of Mission