Faith and Mission
Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week is a highlight of the year for the Diocese of Sale, as our schools and parishes come together to celebrate their Catholic identity, unique mission and contribution to the community. A highlight of the week this year was the Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass, celebrated by the Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, at Nagle Catholic College, Bairnsdale.
This year, the Liturgical Choir from Catholic College Sale was invited to join students from other schools to form a Diocesan Choir for the Mass. The choir comprised students from three secondary colleges, including Catholic College Sale, and two primary schools. The choir’s singing was a highlight, setting the tone for a beautiful celebration of Catholic Education in the Diocese. By gathering as one, we gave thanks for the gift of education for our students, and for the teachers, parents, priests, religious and others who support our schools.
Our Liturgical Choir students conducted themselves admirably throughout the day and are a credit to themselves, their families and our college. To these students, we say well done and thank you.
Nick Hall
Faith and Mission Coordinator
Celebrating Champagnat Day
By Tahnee Cashman
On Wednesday, 3 June, we gathered to celebrate Champagnat Day, we join millions of people around the world who share in the Marist story - a story that began with Saint Marcellin Champagnat, who had a vision for faith and education - that young people would know they are loved by God, valued by their communities, and capable of making a difference in the world.
More than 200 years ago, in 1817, Marcellin founded the Marist Brothers in a small rural French village called La Valla. As a young priest, he spent time with poor families and quickly realised that many young people in the surrounding area lacked education, opportunity, and hope. He believed that education could change lives. More importantly, he believed that every young person deserved to know they were loved by God.
His vision was simple but powerful: to help young people become good Christians and good citizens, and to create schools that felt like families, where love, respect and belonging were central to everything.
Today, Marcellin’s dream continues.
The Marist family now reaches across 81 countries and supports hundreds of thousands of young people through schools, social programs, ministries and communities. While the world has changed dramatically since Marcellin's time, the heart of his mission remains the same.
As Marists, we are called to live by five characteristics that shape who we are: presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work, and following in the way of Mary.
These are values that guide how we treat one another every day. They challenge us to be people of kindness, integrity, compassion and service.
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting France and walking in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat. I visited La Valla, where the first Marist brothers gathered and established a school, and spent time learning about the history, the landscape, and the challenges that shaped Marcellin's vision.
One memorable part of that experience was learning about the original building at La Valla. It was built over three levels, with a basement, ground floor and top floor - each significantly different and symbolic.
The basement represents contemplation and reflection. It is the place where we think deeply about who we are, our values, our faith, and the gifts we have been given.
The ground floor represents welcome and community. At the centre of that floor is a table hand-built by Marcellin himself. It reminds us that family spirit is not simply something we talk about; it is something we create through relationships, belonging and care for one another.
The top floor has large windows that look out across the countryside and beyond. It represents looking outward to the world and asking how we can use our gifts to serve others, especially those who may be struggling, feel forgotten or disconnected.
Last week, some of our Year 9 students explored the ideas of the three levels of the La Valla House. The Year 9 students were asked to reflect on each level and how it relates to them.
- For the basement: What strengths and values do they want to continue developing within themselves?
- On the ground floor: How do they contribute to making our community welcoming and inclusive?
Looking out from the top floor: how can they use their gifts to make a positive difference in the wider world?
As I watched them actively engage in this task, I found myself wondering: if Marcellin Champagnat walked into our school today, would he recognise it?
I believe he would.
He would see students supporting one another through challenges.
He would see teachers and staff who genuinely care about the young people entrusted to them.
He would see family spirit in our classrooms, on our sporting fields, in our performances, and in the countless small moments of kindness that often go unnoticed.
He would see presence in the way we stand alongside one another.
He would see simplicity in authentic relationships.
He would see a love of work in the effort so many of our students put into their learning, their leadership and their service.
And he would see many people following the example of Mary through compassion, humility, courage and openness to God's presence.
I want all of us to remember something important. We are part of the Marist story.
Not just as students and staff attending Catholic College Sale, but as members of a Marist global family. The values we learn here will travel with us long after we leave these grounds. Wherever life takes us, we will find Marist people and Marist communities who will welcome us like family.
More importantly, the Marist spirit we carry has the power to influence those around us.
Every act of kindness.
Every moment of courage.
Every time we choose respect over ridicule, inclusion over exclusion, service over self-interest.
These are the moments when the Marist dream continues.
So as we celebrate Champagnat Day together, remember where this story began.
Remember the young priest from a small village in France who believed that education, love and faith could change lives.
Remember the generations of Marists who have carried that vision forward.
And remember that now it is our turn.
May we continue to carry the Marist spirit into the world, sharing God's love through our actions, our relationships and our service to others.
Happy Champagnat Day, everyone. God bless.
Tahnee Cashman
Director of Engagement