Prayer

Acknowledgement of Country 

We acknowledge and pay respect to the original and ongoing custodians of the land upon which our offices are situated.  We commit to actively working alongside First Nations people for healing, reconciliation and justice.

The Catholic education faith community is inclusive and acknowledges that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and we are created in love. People of all faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities and cultures are therefore respected equally in the Sandhurst Catholic community.  

We acknowledge the pain and suffering of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who have betrayed the trust placed in them.

May we all stand tall, stand firm, grounded in truth, together as one. 

Dear God, 

Through the example of Saint Mary of the Cross, may we learn to recognise God's will for us and trust in his providence. 

May her life of service awaken in us a deep respect for the poor and a strong will for justice. 

May we share in her courage, see with the eyes of Christian love, and learn from her holy deeds. 

Amen

Feast Day of St. Mary MacKillop

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop. As part of this celebration we will be holding a Liturgy reflecting on the life of Mary MacKillop and her legacy.

“All people who know of Mary MacKillop are familiar with her loving and compassionate personality, a woman with a strong desire to live out the teachings of the Gospel.

Throughout her life, Mary accompanied many people during moments of hardship as well as moments of great happiness. She offered friendship to all, truly leading a life that placed her in the Grace of God.

For so many, Mary is the ultimate embodiment of Christ’s love for humanity through her “zeal for the poor and marginalised”.  Her empathy and compassion for children and young people in particular highlights how genuine concern and love for those who are placed on the edges of society can bolster the fight for social justice and equality.

Although Mary was a woman who lived many years ago, her legacy lives on. The Josephite Charism is being actively lived out by many in the Josephite Community. This Charism inspires all to lead a life with bold hope and compassionate courage, just as Mary did.”

E. Nicholas, 2023, Mary MacKillop: A legacy that shines light upon the unseen. Sisters Of St Joseph Of The Sacred Heart. 3/5/23. sosj.org.au.

Australia's First Saint

On 17 October 2010 Mary was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is Australia's first saint and throughout the universal Catholic church is now to be 'honoured devoutly among all the saints'.