DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Finding Meaning in the Midst of Busyness: A Lenten Reflection in the Spirit of Mary MacKillop

As the Deputy Principal of Community and Culture at St Mary MacKillop College, I have had the privilege of witnessing a vibrant and active period within our school community over the past few weeks. From the celebrations of Harmony Week to the energy and spirit of our Athletics Carnival, along with various incursions, excursions, and opportunities to engage with the wider community, our students and staff have been deeply involved in a rich tapestry of experiences.

In the midst of such activity, it is worth pausing to reflect. Not only are we, as adults, striving to meet the demands of our daily lives, but our young people are also navigating increasingly busy schedules, balancing school commitments, friendships, family, and personal pursuits. In this context, it is reasonable to ask: what place does Lent hold in our lives today? Is it still meaningful, or has it become an outdated tradition?

For us as Catholics, Lent remains a deeply significant time in the Church calendar. It is a season that calls us to step back from the busyness of life, to reflect, and to reconnect with what truly matters. It invites us to remember the life, sacrifice, and love of Jesus Christ, and to consider how we might live more fully in response to that example.

Mary MacKillop’s life and mission offer us a powerful lens through which to understand this season. She lived with humility, faith, and an unwavering trust in God’s providence. Her words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” remind us that Lent is not only about personal reflection but also about action, about turning our attention to others with compassion and generosity.

In a world where we often hear, “I don’t have time,” Lent gently challenges us to reconsider our priorities. If we do not take time, for ourselves, for our families, for our community, and for God, we risk losing sight of meaning and purpose. The Christian faith reminds us that we are called to a life of abundance, not in material terms, but in love, connection, and faith. Yet even with this knowledge, it is easy to become caught up in the constant pace of life.

When was the last time we simply sat in stillness, without planning, striving, or seeking approval? Lent offers us that invitation. It reassures us that we are already known and loved by God, and that there is a greater plan for each of us, one that extends beyond our immediate concerns.

As we now approach Holy Week, we enter the most sacred time in the Catholic tradition. It is a period in which we reflect deeply on the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. These events are not just historical moments; they are central to our understanding of hope, renewal, and the promise of new life.

For our students, our families, and our wider community, this is an opportunity to pause, to reflect, and to reconnect, with our faith, with one another, and with the values that define us as a Catholic community. In the spirit of St Mary MacKillop, may we continue to live with courage, compassion, and a deep trust in God, especially during this Lenten season.

God Bless,

Kath Jones

Deputy Principal Community & Culture