Opening Mass for 2025 school year
Fr Roland (Chaplain to the St Christophorus German-speaking Chaplaincy at Croydon) led our community in a beautiful Opening Mass on Friday 14 February. We also welcomed the Sisters from our Presentation community, Sr Margaret, Sr Lynne, Sr Cecilia and Sr Susan.
Each new year is a cause for celebration and each day presents a wealth of opportunities, experiences and challenges as the “ Storyline is yours… what role will you play?” makes a positive impression and impact here at the College. As we face our daily challenges and struggles, we also travel along our spiritual journey; growing closer to God through trusting in him during times of adversity.
As part of the tradition of the school, we welcomed the new Year 7 students, students who were new to the College in Years 8-12 and all new staff members. All those new to our community received a special blessing. As a Catholic School, it is deep in our identity to welcome in the new year as an Eucharistic community. It is the Opening Mass every year that sets the tone for Spirituality in the school, encouraging all to bring the presence of Jesus into our community.
Special thanks must go to all students who participated in the ministry roles in the Mass, especially to our readers and student leaders who assisted. Thanks also must go to our choir and musicians led by Mrs Zapulla and Mr Magson. The choir were able to elevate the beauty of the occasion even further through their beautiful singing, particularly of our school song, ‘La Verite’.
Thank you also to Mrs McGahan, College Principal for her words as to how we bear witness to God’s presence in our lives as we try to live as Presentation poeple:
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“This year has been declared by Pope Francis as a Jubilee Year of Hope. We embrace the call to live as witnesses of God’s love and truth. Inspired by the words from John 15:27, “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me,” we are reminded of our shared journey with Christ, who has revealed the depths of His love to us. As we reflect on His life, teachings, and sacrifice, we are empowered to bear witness to His presence in the world around us through our words, actions, and hearts. Embracing these words, we follow the example of Nano Nagle, whose life was marked by deep hospitality, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Nano lit the way for those in need, believing in the transformative power of education, service, and faith. This year, we commit ourselves to the Sydney Catholic Schools theme, which is to seek what is good, true, and beautiful in all aspects of our lives. Rooted in faith, we strive for excellence in our studies, compassion in our relationships, and integrity in our choices. Just as Nano Nagle served selflessly, dedicating her life to uplifting the marginalised through education and care, we too are called to use our gifts for the good of others. As a school community, we recognise that every small act of kindness, every pursuit of knowledge, and every expression of beauty reflects the hope and grace that the Jubilee Year invites us to live with. Inspired by Nano’s courage and unwavering faith, may we always seek to “go one step beyond” in our pursuit of truth and excellence. May we always look to the example of Christ, who calls us to love and serve with humility and joy, and may we, in turn, inspire others to seek the good, the true, and the beautiful in a world that so desperately needs it. In 2025, let us unite to become bearers of light in a world longing for hope, igniting hearts with faith, transforming lives through knowledge, and shaping a future where justice, truth, and compassion prevail.” |
Ms Monica Ribeiro, Acting REC
Our Presentation Sisters, pvbm
L to R: Sister Lynne Crilley; Sister Susan Miller; Sister Margaret Barclay; Sister Cecilia Wiltshire
