From the Religious Education Coordinator

8 August is the feast day of St Mary MacKillop of the Cross, Australia’s saint. When choosing the patron for the community of women who would later be known as the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Mary MacKillop said “Let us, my loved Sisters, be faithful to the spirit of our Glorious Patron – patient, humble and hidden.”

In 1893, Mary wrote this to her sisters: “Let us ask Joseph to obtain for us a generous devoted love for Jesus, a love that will make us like himself . . . A love that . . . will make us delight in serving his poor, and his neglected little ones.”

In her autobiography, St Teresa of Avila said of her devotion to St Joseph, “I do not remember even now that I have ever asked anything of [St. Joseph] which he has failed to grant… To other saints, the Lord seems to have given grace to succour us in some of our necessities, but of this glorious saint, my experience is that he succours us in them all…” 

Pope Francis announced a Year of St Joseph in December 2020, describing St Joseph as a father who was beloved, obedient, accepting, creatively courageous, tender and loving – a working father; a father in the shadows. During the days and weeks when we are challenged in our daily activities through lockdown, let us too turn to St Joseph and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and their unshakeable trust in God’s providence.

Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my great protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection, or implored your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you. Do not turn down my petitions, foster father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them.

Amen.

Mary MacKillop Prayer
Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you grant our request…
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.

 

Prayer Time Friday

All students are invited to Prayer Time Friday at 1.45pm – 2.00pm during remote learning. An invitation will be shared in Compass News with the Zoom link. It is a way of joining together as a community of faith.

While we are physically distanced, we can still stay connected to our Catholic faith communities through the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. It has links to live streaming of Masses, prayer resources and other activities in the Archdiocese. 

Many blessings for the days ahead.

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2