Faith and Mission

This week we give thanks for the life of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, a man whose journey of faith began with injury, silence and deep reflection. Through this experience, he discovered the power of discernment and the practice of listening for God's presence in all things. Ignatius is remembered not only for his personal transformation but also for the spirituality he shared with the world. His way of proceeding is grounded in finding God in everyday life, marked by a generous commitment to serve others and focused on living for God's greater glory.

As we celebrate his feast, we also pray for the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) and the Congregation of Jesus (CJ) as they continue their journey of Becoming One. This important step reflects the vision of Mary Ward, a faithful disciple of Jesus, who imagined a Church where religious women could live fully in the Ignatian tradition. Her dream was of a life that is apostolic, led by women, committed to truth and justice, and shaped by deep faith.

Next week, we begin our Founders Week celebrations. As a Christ-centred Catholic school, we draw strength and inspiration from our three founders, St Ignatius of Loyola, Mary Ward and Pope John XXIII. Each of them followed Christ with courage and conviction in their own time. Their lives remind us that our identity as a Catholic school is grounded in the Gospel and animated by a call to serve. It is especially meaningful that during this time, we will welcome Fr Frank Brennan SJ as our Academic in Residence. A Jesuit priest, lawyer and advocate for human rights, Fr Frank brings to life our College motto Seek Justice. His presence invites us to reflect on how faith in Christ calls us to engage with the world through both compassion and action.

St Ignatius taught us to ask, What more can I do for Christ? May that question guide each of us in moments of change, in decisions great and small, and in our service to others, as we walk together in the spirit of our founders.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

Thank you to Loyola House who prepared yesterday's Eucharist. In his beautiful homily, our Redemptorist presider, Fr Heri, drew attention to St Ignatius’ teaching of finding God in all things. Fr Heri helped us see that the words of Jesus in today’s gospel, ‘Come and see’ are an ongoing invitation to friendship and connection with Jesus. 

Friday, 15 August, is the date of the next Community Mass. It is also the feast of the Assumption of Mary. Students from Ward House will be preparing the Mass. 

The table below shows the schedule for Masses over the coming five weeks. 

If you would like to volunteer, or have any questions about Community Mass, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley.

Community Mass details

• College Chapel
• Fridays in term time
• Starts at 8:00am concludes at 8:30am.

Sacraments

Confirmation

Enrolments for the sacrament of Confirmation in the parish of Cottesloe close on Monday, 25 August. Here is the link for registration.

Further information provided by some local parishes is here.  

To find contact details for any parish in the Perth Archdiocese, go to this link.

Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so don’t be afraid to ask. 

The parish priest or sacrament coordinator is the best point of contact for sacraments in a specific parish. For any general enquiries about the sacrament program, contact  Mary-Anne Lumley mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au  or via phone on 08 9383 0513