Faith, Justice and Formation
Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and The Solemnity of The Assumption
Each year on 8 August we celebrate the Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s beloved and first saint. On this day we celebrate the important role she played in making education accessible for children in our country. Mary MacKillop devoted her life to ensuring a holistic Catholic education for children from rural, poor families.
St Mary MacKillop’s impact on Australian education was remarkable. She was a trailblazer and a leader who passionately advocated for the education of underprivileged children and children in remote areas where others either would or could not go. For such children and their families, Mary opened a door of hope into the future.
God of the prophets, you gifted Mary MacKillop with vision and courage. In her we see one who was not afraid to speak of your gospel of love. We pray for the sensitivity and imagination to read the signs of our times, and to articulate new possibilities for our own day. Like Mary, may we learn to confront all that is oppressive and unjust, and empower others towards freedom and integrity. Spirit of wisdom, be with us as we face new horizons. Amen. |
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Next Tuesday 15 August is the Solemnity of The Assumption of Mary. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven is the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
The Assumption completes God’s work in her since it was not fitting that the flesh that had given life to God himself should ever undergo corruption. The Assumption is God’s crowning of his work as Mary ends her earthly life and enters eternity. The solemnity turns our eyes in that direction, where we will follow when our earthly life is over.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Tuesday 15 August is a Holy Day of Obligation in Australia. The only other non-Sunday day of obligation in Australia is Christmas Day.
Father’s Day Mass and Morning Tea
On behalf of the College Principal, Dr Lavorato, I would like to invite all fathers or carers of current students to our Father’s Day Mass that will be held in the College Gymnasium on Friday 1 September 2023. This Mass is a wonderful, annual occasion when we specifically invite our dads to the College to celebrate and give thanks for the importance of our dads in our lives.
There will be two Masses depending on the House your son belongs to:
7:45 AM Hanrahan, Hickey, and Rice
9:30 AM Berg, Coghlan, and Crichton
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time to ensure that you can find a seat, as the Mass will commence on time.
Raising Fathers Evening
On Thursday 31 August 2023 the College will be hosting an evening called Raising Fathers. The guest speaker at this event will be Robert Falzon author of the book Raising Fathers. The event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Sydney. Robert will be sharing his insight on the challenges facing men in our society today and speak to the role of parenting as it applies to fathers.
Date: Thursday 31 August
Venue: Scientia Building, Le
Time: 6:00 PM for 6:30 PM start to 8:00 PM
All fathers and father figures are welcome. Tickets are free but need to be registered through trybooking.com. Please use the QR code on the information below.
Adam Leslie
Acting Director of Identity
