Faith Formation
and Mission
Vinnies Winter Warmth Appeal
Mater Dei proudly participated in the Vinnies Winter Appeal again this year. Thank you to everyone in our community who generously supported this appeal. We were pleased to send multiple loads of donations to Vinnies with warm clothing for those in need.
Our Freeze Out Day raised an impressive $1838.37 bringing our overall Vinnies Winter Warmth Appeal total to $2479.37!
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King Jr.
This week, August 3 - August 9, is Homelessness Week and we continue to seek ways to make a difference for those in need.
Feast of the Assumption
Next Friday 15 August is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Assumption signals the end of Mary's earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. On this day each year, we joyfully celebrate Mary's journey of faith and hope.
The Assumption is a particularly special day for Mater Dei, given our name means ‘Mother of God’ in Latin. On Monday 17 August we will join together with Mater Dei Primary School to celebrate Mass in their Hall. The Mass will start at 10am and we welcome parents and carers to join us. We are grateful to Fr Grace for leading us in celebration.
Happy Birthday to Father Grace!
A huge happy birthday to Father Grace for next week! Thank you for the pastoral leadership that you give our College. We are grateful for your spiritual guidance and ongoing support of the College.
Parish Schools Mass
On Saturday 29 August at 5.30pm we will join with Mater Dei Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary School to celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart Kooringal. Everyone is welcome to join us!
Spiritus Year 10 Youth Ministry Class 2027
We are currently accepting expressions of interest for our Year 10 Spiritus RE class in 2027. The class will study 2 units: Introduction to Youth Ministry and Leadership and Youth Ministry, during their usual timetabled RE class lessons in Semester 1. Semester 2 will involve the same units as other Year 10 classes. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn more about their faith, to encounter Jesus, contribute to their school community and grow in leadership. Please get in touch with me if you have any further questions.
Reflection Days
In Week 5 our Year 8 and Year 10 students will participate in their annual Reflection Days. Based on Catholic Christian values and using the personal testimony of two dynamic presenters from ‘Your Choicez’, students will explore the challenges of relationships and connections.
Man of the Shroud Exhibition
The Diocese of Wagga Wagga is proud to host a world-class exhibition on the Shroud of Turin this August. This is a fantastic educational opportunity for students and families to explore the intersection of modern science and ancient history and faith. Year 10 students were fortunate to visit the Shroud exhibition in their RE classes this week.
All are welcome to attend this unique encounter between faith and science. See Fr Grace’s video showing the exhibition set up at Sacred Heart.
Where and When:
August 5 - 9: Parish of Sacred Heart Kooringal
Open to the public:
- Saturday 8 August - 10am-5pm
- Sunday 9 August - 10am- 1pm
“Experience the mystery, history, and scientific investigation of one of the most studied religious relics in the world—The Shroud of Turin.”
Saint Mary of The Cross Mackillop - Feast Day - Saturday 8 August
Mary MacKillop, who founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, lived a life of charity in both the sense of giving help to those who need it but in having kindness and tolerance for all those she met. She was and continues to be a beacon of hope for so many people.
As she was dying she wrote,
‘ . . . God bless you all. Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them cheerfully, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you in all your life.’
On the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, we are inspired by her unwavering trust in God, her courage in the face of trials, and her deep commitment to love and compassion in all things.
God of Compassion and Courage,
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Way, our Truth, and our Life. Amen
Mrs Rebecca Gill | Leader of Faith Formation and Mission