MISSION CENTRAL

All Saints' and All Souls' Day Liturgy at Saints

This is very important in the liturgical calendar. It is when we remember friends and family who are no longer with us in life but live on with the Communion of Saints in Heaven. Before Fr Laurie left, he wrote the following reflection to help our community understand its significance.

There are two feasts we are focusing on today. The first is All Saints Day and it is sometimes called All Hallows. This day is celebrated in the Christian churches on November 1 and celebrates the lives of those who have been canonised and the many men and women who have gone before us into Paradise. We believe that while they are separated from us by death, they continue to form a family, a community or communion with us. We refer to this belonging as the “Communion of Saints”, of which we are all a part.

The second feast is that of All Souls, which is usually celebrated on November 2, when we remember especially those who are known to us, family and friends who have gone before us. They too are part of the family of all who have lived, all who live now, and those yet to come, in a mysterious but real bond of belonging.

As we gather today for the combined liturgy of All Saints and All Souls, we pray in gratitude for those men and women, both named saints and unknown people; we pray for those who have died and are dear to us; and we pray also for ourselves that we recognise that we are called to continue to build a Christian community during our time on earth.

So in November we continue to pray for the souls of our beloved departed. May they rest in eternal peace.

Marist Summit

Four prefects of 2026, Evan, Nicholas, Lachlan and Mason, and Mr Gregory went to Brisbane for three days for the annual Marist Summit. A gathering of close to 100 students from 14 Marist schools from Queensland, Northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory attended. This is what they had to say:

Lachlan Turner: The Marist Leadership Summit was an overall amazing experience. While it allowed me to get closer with the boys I went down with, I left with not just great memories but plenty of connections with the other student leaders. The summit didn’t just open my eyes to new ways to lead but gave me that reassurance I didn’t know I needed for whatever’s in store for us as leaders next year.

Evan Ung: After a short flight Saturday morning we arrived in Brisbane. Heading to the Marist Summit, I had high expectations, but they were exceeded when we got there Saturday afternoon. The activities were fun and interactive and everyone there had something to say. There were various sessions held throughout the weekend on varying topics such as how to be a better leader, as well as being a better person in general. Although the biggest highlight for me was meeting new people and

getting to know them in the long hours of free time. We left on Monday with a fresh outlook on the year with ideas on how to improve our college and ourselves. The summit was one of the best events I've been to in my schooling, and if I could I would go again without hesitation.

Nicholas Maynard: I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Marist Summit, after a long trip we arrived to a warm welcome and beautifully prepared lunch getting a chance to meet all the other student leaders. Instantly we got into some ice breakers where we made many lasting friends. As well, we participated in multiple sessions on what it means to be a leader and what challenges we can expect to face. This experience gave me new insight on what to expect and how to become a better leader. Finally, we reflected on what leaders we want to be and what actions we can take. During this brainstorming there were many good ideas which I am excited to see implemented next year.

Mason Ryan: I highly enjoyed my time at the Marist Leadership summit, I believe the workshops and activities we participated in equipped us with vital leadership and communication skills needed for next year. The other student leaders from other Marist schools across the country built an environment where we could step out of our comfort zones, and really engage with both the activities presented and getting to know what the other leaders of next year had to say.

Year 11 Proud to take the baton

Rosies is thrilled that Year 11 has easily and willingly accepted the baton to take over the Rosies volunteer roster. Thanks to the staff and the students for their efforts.

SRC Clean Up - by Lachlan Turner

On Wednesday, 19 boys gathered out the front of Mission Central with one common goal: no rubbish left behind. With bags in hand we scoured the school grounds and nearby streets picking up everything in sight.  We returned to Saints with 15 bags of rubbish. It’s a lot more than an act of service and giving back, it’s a way to bond with our mates while doing something good for the world. I thank all the boys and staff who were involved, and I hope to see even more students join us next year.

Help out with the Vinnies Hamper Appeal

The annual Vinnies Hamper Appeal is well underway, and we thank the families of St Augustine’s in advance for their ongoing support with this. Please see the flyer below for goods that are needed for hampers.