Faith, Justice and Formation

Opening Mass

Last Friday we celebrated our Opening Mass at the Quay Centre, Sydney Olympic Park. It was a beautiful occasion that is one of the rare opportunities that we have to bring together the whole College community – boys, teachers, support staff, parents and carers – to celebrate our shared faith. The Eucharist is our expression of the unity that we share. It binds us together with each other and with Christ our Lord and Redeemer. It calls us to go forth into the world to be Christ for others. It was even more poignant that our EREA touchstone focus for 2023 is on Justice and Solidarity. Our Mass also launched the College theme chosen by our student leadership team for 2023:

“That there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.” (1 Corinthians 10:1)

This theme was launched by College Captain, Alessandro Romeo in his reflection after the gospel. Below are some extracts from his address which was a powerful and heartfelt call to action:

After three years disrupted by Covid, we became used to phrases like “self-isolation”, and “social distancing”. And this has had an impact on us all, much more than we realise. Because self-isolation and being socially distant are phrases that are the exact opposite of what our college is about.

We are a community. We say it all the time: the St Patrick’s College community. But what does that mean?

“Com” means together. The second part of the word comes from the Latin word – “unis” – which means ONE. So, every time we say we are a community, we are saying that we are together as one. But our community has been challenged by COVID. There is no doubt. That is why in our Mass today we also launch our theme for 2023.

“That there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.”

The theme has two parts. The first, “that there be divisions among you” focuses on the notion of solidarity and the role it plays in fostering supportive relationships. This means always treating others with respect, listening to them, and allowing them to have their voice. It is also about remembering that it is the smallest acts of kindness to each other that collectively build the strength of our community. But it is not enough to just work together in unity.

The second part of these words from St Paul are that we are “united in the same mind and the same purpose.” This means we need to be people of action. Regarding our faith as a verb, as I have said before, we are called to belong, just as we are called to participate in our role of promoting justice; to make the most of the opportunities given to us, and to make the most of every day. This year our College theme dedicates us to our greatest purpose, a call to the service of others.

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St Paul uses the metaphor of a body that is fitted and joined together, working in cohesion and through each part's unique function adding strength and vitality to its overall workings. This is just like our community. Everyone has a role to play and a gift to contribute. Without unity, our community cannot function to its full strength and capacity, and therefore we require everyone’s efforts and talents. It requires the best of each of us – the best that we can give, whatever our talents might be. 

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It is time now to ensure that no one is isolated and that we are not socially distant but united in the same purpose – and united for the service of others... We all have to grow together as part of the same vine that grows out from Christ, who is at the centre.

Alessandro Romeo

College Captain 

SOL Points Opportunity for Year 9 and Year 10 Mother’s Day Classic Event

Volunteers are needed for the Mother’s Day Classic events on Saturday and Sunday 13 and 14 May at The Domain in Sydney or Paramatta Park in Western Sydney. This would be a good opportunity for boys in Year 9 or 10 to assist the community and earn SOL points.

The details are as follows:

The Mother’s Day Classic use a program called Rosterfy to register and share information with volunteers. As a new volunteer who hasn't used Rosterfy before, you’ll be asked to create an account once you've completed the below form. Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll have access to a volunteer dashboard in Rosterfy where you'll find further instructions specific to your event location.

Link for Volunteers to register:Register > Mother's Day Classic (rosterfy.com.au).

Adam Leslie

Acting Director of Identity