HOLY WEEK

Holy Week is from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday and is considered the richest and busiest time of the Church year. Throughout history, Holy Week has been a time for Christians to gather for prayer, reflection, and to experience the core of their faith: Jesus’ death and resurrection. It invites us to deeply engage with the story of Jesus’ final days.

Holy Week draws us beyond thinking about our faith from outside to feel with Christ as he endures his Passion, to be humbled when we see him wash our feet and feed us in the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, to stay with him as he hangs on the Cross on Good Friday, and to share his joy and life as he rises from darkness to light on Easter Sunday.

Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ

We wish our community a joyful and restful Easter break. May this sacred season renew your spirit, strengthen you and fill you with peace.

EASTER MASS TIMES AT SACRED HEART KOORINGAL

All families are welcome at Sacred Heart for Easter 2026. A schedule for Holy Week is included below.

THE MASS OF CHRISM

The Mass of Chrism is held each year during Holy Week. The Mass brings all the Priests of our diocese together with our Bishop for a special mass, in which the Priests renew their vows and bless oils for use in sacraments around the diocese this year. This year MDCC was represented at the Mass by Emma F, Edward B, Joel S, Jeslin L, Aimee U, Audrey D, Gretel M and Riley B, members of our Student Representative Council and Alpha Youth Group. Special mention to Riley who acted as altar server for this special occasion.

Our students were particularly blessed to be greeted by Bishop Mark Edwards and to visit significant parts of the Cathedral with the Bishop himself. We also got to enjoy morning tea with Fr Grace and students from other local schools.

PROJECT COMPASSION AND EASTER RAFFLE

Thank you for your support of our Lenten fundraising initiatives.

Every year Mater Dei supports Caritas’ Project Compassion, raising funds to change the lives of people living in poverty through education, healthcare, clean water and other opportunities. This year, we have learned the stories of individuals and families in Tanzania, Bangladesh, Gaza and Fiji.

Throughout Lent, Houses and their homegroups have been raising funds for this important cause. Congratulations to Kennedy and Rosarie Houses for raising the most out of all houses. Our Year 12 Captains and the Student Representative Council have also run a sausage sizzle and an Easter Bunny photo booth to help raise additional funds. Our school raised a total of $2508. Thank you to everyone who supported Project Compassion, however you contributed.

Our Easter Raffle for 2026 is in aid of St Vincent de Paul’s Micah Hub. Through our Easter Raffle we can support those in need in our own community. Your generous donations of Easter eggs have allowed us to create 48 Prizes, with $1311 raised through the sale of raffle tickets in our community. Winners will be announced at Thursday’s assembly.

Thank you again to all those who donated to these initiatives. It was fantastic to see the College community's generous spirit in action.

YEAR 9 COMMUNITY BUILDING RETREATS

GIRLS

During Week 9 of this term, our Year 9 Girls participated in their Community Building Retreat at Feathertop Chalet in Harrietville. Throughout the retreat, the girls took on tough outdoor challenges including a high ropes course, kayaking, the giant swing and the tree climb. They also spent time in quiet contemplation and prayer, as well as bonding as a year group through tribe activities. Every girl can be congratulated for the spirit in which they approached the retreat. Whether it was at height, on the water, in social settings or in their hearts, all the girls pushed out of their comfort zones and let their inner strength shine.

BOYS

At the same time, our Year 9 boys travelled to Geehi Flats between Khancoban and Thredbo for their own Community Building Retreat. Despite some challenging weather, the boys had a fantastic time.

A reflection from the boys is included below:

Over the time we spent at Geehi Campgrounds we got put into tribe groups. These were the people who we would spend the duration of the camp with. We went for hikes to some beautiful places and talked about Heroes, Highlights and Hardships.

Over the time at camp we experienced very vigorous rain. While we all wanted to go home and have a warm shower we all pushed through and had a very memorable experience.

We challenged ourselves, stepped outside our comfort zones, and created memories that we will cherish for years to come. These experiences helped us build resilience, teamwork, and confidence.

HOLY WEEK PRAYER

Loving God, you journeyed with Jesus every step of the way to the cross.

Help us to deepen our understanding of the events of Holy Week

and inspire us to follow in His footsteps, living lives of selfless love and service.

Help us to keep your love close to our hearts so that we

live that love in everything we do and say.

May Your Spirit guide us today and always.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ms Anna O'Brien | Acting Leader of Faith Formation and Mission

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 3 · 02 Apr 2026

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