Faith, Justice and Formation

Bringing the Year to a Close

As you read this final Especean for the year I simply want to thank all parents, carers and students who contribute to the College in a positive way. You help continue the tradition of this great place. For those who give of themselves selflessly in many different ways, for those who own their mistakes and improve themselves moving forward, for those who actively participate in all facets of life at the College especially in the faith life and identity of the College and for those who ‘put others at the centre of their lives’ (Br Philip Pinto), thank you and congratulations. I see examples of these things every day and so I know a ‘righteous remnant’ (part of the Jewish Tradition) will always remain.

It's been a year of getting back to normal, and while sometimes there are some things that have a ‘new normal’ it is important not to lose the heart and soul of not only life but belonging to St Patrick’s College. As a community we have given generously to fundraising campaigns and appeals. Please know that every cent donated makes it to our partners – no administration fees. I think there is room for improvement on the justice front as previously mentioned – not only serving the community, but also being advocates for matters of injustice. Our liturgical celebrations continue, but they do lack some involvement from all at present. God wants us to be active in life. We are not passive observers. If everyone was, then nothing would ever happen, and praise of God is multiplied when done in union with others. We just need to remind ourselves of that old saying, that the more you give the more you receive. Joy comes from being part of something, and here we have the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than ourselves and our families. We are a part of the universal Church and ultimately a citizen of our world. Our relationships are what will exist long beyond our marks.

In my thanks to all, I also seek forgiveness for the times I have been less than I should be. For this I am truly sorry. No matter what though, I am truly grateful for all the support and love I have been shown. Gratitude is a gift we can all practice – so much has been said about this, but here is one more piece of inspiration and aspiration in this area: 

"The greatest gift one can give is thanksgiving. In giving gifts, we give what we can spare, but in giving thanks we give ourselves.” 

(Brother David Steindl-Rast, Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer)

May this gratefulness help us move through this Advent season, designed to prepare us and make us wait (because all good things are worth waiting for!), as we are reminded of the core values of the season – hope, faith, joy, peace and love. Easy to say, not always easy to express. This season gives us the chance to reconnect and think about how we can bring these values to life. I urge you to join us for our final Friday morning Mass for the year this Friday at 8:10 AM in the Chapel and I also urge you to read the College’s Social Justice publication It’s Time which is to be emailed out today. There are many great articles and reflections in there! This article does not do justice to all that our faith and community have to offer, so look out for the richness and beauty of our great tradition in many ways.

I take this opportunity to wish each of you a joyous and peaceful Christmas, filled with the love offered to us in the coming of Christ. May we, individually and collectively, be people who put Jesus at the centre of our actions, who ensure that others are included in our communities, who work for justice and solidarity for all peoples and the earth, and who reflect our blessings and knowledge in the way we work to liberate others from hardship and oppression. May 2023 shine a light on all that is good, and may God bless each of you (and yes, I do mean each and every single one of you 😊) all of your days.

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Gillian Daley

Director of Identity

Festival of Carols and Readings

After two years of suspension due to the pandemic, the College Chapel was reignited with the spirit of Christmas to mark the beginning of the Advent Season, a period of waiting in hope for the coming of Christ. The origins of the English word “advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus” which literally means “coming” and was used to celebrate the anniversary of the coming of the Roman Emperor. 

The voices of the Year 7 boys, the College Choir and the organ filled the Chapel, touching the hearts of everyone and reminding us of this joyous time in the Liturgical Calendar. Traditional Christmas carols interspersed with readings from the Bible and the lighting of the Advent Candles allowed us to reflect on the beginning of Christ in preparing our hearts and mind for His coming. I was grateful to commence the night which reminded us of the astounding talent and strong sense of community at our College.

Special mention must go to Ms Grapé for her tireless work in conducting the choir and Old Boy Matthew Dal Cin (‘12) whose captivating voice immediately had heads turning, as well as organists Mr Quarmby and Bailey Yeates (Year 11). Thanks must also go to Ms Daley for making the night truly one to remember. Wishing you all a joyous and faith-filled Christmas.

Dominic La Greca

Faith Formation Prefect 

Chapel Cleaning

Over the years we have been truly blessed with great parents/carers who clean our chapel as a sign of respect for the College and as an act of service to God. I thank all of them wholeheartedly!! But we are now at a point where we need more to help ease the load. The more volunteers, the less weeks people have to appear on the roster, and then the lesser the burden is. If you have a couple of hours free on a Thursday morning and can offer your services please email frances.spagnuolo@spc.nsw.edu.au so a 2023 roster can be planned and we can ensure that moving forward we all contribute to this place we belong to in one way or another. Perhaps get a couple of friends together and go for a coffee afterwards. Thanks again to all who give us so much.

Gillian Daley

Director of Identity