Catholic Identity and Mission 

Project Compassion Fundraising 

Don’t forget our Project Compassion Fundraising running for Lent.  

MONDAYS – Soft drink $2 

FRIDAYS – Zooper Doopers $1 

All money raised will be dedicated to Project Compassion. 

International Women’s Day 

On Wednesday 8th March, we recognised International Women’s Day.  Our Year 12 Leaders, Gabrielle Perry and Grace Burns made some posters that they put up around the school of inspirational women leaders.  Grace also read a prayer over the speaker at homeroom.  The Year 10 Youth Ministry class handwrote letters to influential women in their lives.  As Mr. Scott Blencowe said when he introduced the lesson, “…we want tears with what you write!”  We will post these letters this week. 

Year 7 Welcome Mass  

On Wednesday, March 8th we celebrated the year 7 Welcome Mass in Pioneer Hall. There was a wonderful turnout of over 60 families.  

During the Mass, the Class Captain certificates (in lieu of badges) and student bibles were blessed. At the conclusion of Mass, students received their certificates and read out their leadership pledges.  Students will be awarded their badges at their Year Level assembly when they arrive.  At the conclusion of Mass, a light supper was provided.  Parents were able to mingle and meet the Year 7 homeroom teachers. The students were very excited to show their parents their homerooms.  I also wish to acknowledge the staff that helped organise the evening as well as Liz Stephan (Year 12 Justice Captain) who attended and assisted with reading and the offertory procession. 

Easter Liturgy 

Mr. Jonathan Bowman has been working very hard to organise and plan this year’s Easter Liturgy with the Year 12 Youth Ministry and VCAL students.  This will take place on Thursday 6th April, the last day of term.  Please continue to check our social media for timings. 

Mary MacKillop on Pilgrimage Reflection 

"God's presence seems to follow me everywhere and makes everything I do, or wish to do, a prayer.” (Mary MacKillop, 28.3.1870, aged 28) 

A Pilgrimage is both an inner and an outer journey. It is traditional in many religions, where it often serves as a rite of passage. A sacred Pilgrimage, real or symbolic, has many facets. It is intentional, characterised by a sense of Presence and community. It takes us into a sacred space and time and encourages us to remember who we are on a journey. A life pilgrimage is not only a linear journey, but a deepening of our contact with God and a spiritual awakening. 

Mary MacKillop is both a guide and mentor on our life pilgrimage because she knew the joy and sorrow common to all humanity. Mary’s pilgrimage was for others and towards God, whether she walked on Australian or New Zealand soil, or on the Continent or in the British Isles. Like most pilgrims, she drew others into her company, and they struggled together to keep on the path that Christ, their compass, indicated for them. 

You're invited to view a reflection written by Sr Colleen (Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart) here: https://bit.ly/3Fbs3aa  

📷 Statue by artist Louis Laumen located outside of St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne VIC (Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne) 

Please see the Parish News attached to this newsletter for Mass times. 

Just as Sr Colleen (Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart) speaks about in the article above may we, like Mary MacKillop, reflect on being pilgrims as we move through loneliness, rejection, and desert experiences, always towards a future hope grounded in God.