From The Religious Education Coordinator
Pray with Pope Leo XIV
Each month, Pope Leo XIV has asked for our prayers for a specific intention.
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of February is for children with incurable diseases.
In a video to be released on Feb. 5, the Holy Father prayed that the faithful would realise that “the smiles, even in the midst of pain,” of children suffering from incurable diseases, “are a testimony of [God’s] kingdom.”
Pope Worldwide Prayer Network: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-REFhEErYHA
Lord Jesus,
who welcomed the little ones in your arms and blessed them tenderly,
today we bring before you the children living with incurable illnesses.
Their fragile bodies are a sign of your presence,
and their smiles, even in the midst of pain, are a testimony of your kingdom.
We ask you, Lord, that they may never lack proper medical care,
human and compassionate attention,
and the support of a community that accompanies them with love.
Sustain their families in hope,
in the midst of weariness and uncertainty,
and make of them witnesses of a faith that grows stronger through trial.
Bless the hands of doctors, nurses, and caregivers,
so that their work may always be an expression of active compassion.
May your Spirit enlighten them in every difficult decision,
and grant them patience and tenderness to serve with dignity.
Lord, teach us to recognize your face in every suffering child.
May their vulnerability awaken our compassion,
and move us to care, accompany, and love
with concrete gestures of solidarity.
Make of us a Church that,
animated by the feelings of your heart
and moved by prayer and service,
knows how to uphold fragility,
and in the midst of suffering, becomes a source of comfort,
a seed of hope, and a proclamation of new life.
Amen.
Opening Mass
With Goodness at Heart: Celebrating New Beginnings at Marist Sisters’ College
Wednesday 4th February, marked a significant and joyous occasion in the life of our College as we gathered to celebrate the beginning of the academic year. It was a day defined by tradition, welcome, and a renewed sense of purpose as we officially recognized milestones for our students and staff.
A Procession of Faith and Unity
The ceremony began with a moving Entrance Procession, rich in Marist symbolism.
Harriet O’Connor, College Co-Captain, carried our Marist Heart. This heart is a profound symbol of the great love of Christ. As Marists, we are called to follow Christ by “thinking, judging, feeling and acting” as Mary in all things. By adopting Mary’s approach, we strive to walk in the shoes of others with delicacy and sensitivity, holding them close.
To signify this connection, the Marist Heart carried today contained the names of every member of the College community printed on scrolls—a beautiful reminder that we hold dear everyone we love and support.
Accompanying the heart, Sarah Mourani, College Co-Captain, carried the College candle, while members of the Student Leadership Team proudly brought forth our Marist Compass banners and House banners.
A highlight of the gathering was the badging of our students, acknowledging their growth and new steps in their educational journey:
- Year 7: We presented our Year 7 students with their Marist Sisters’ College badge, officially welcoming them as the newest members of our College family.
- Year 10: To acknowledge their upcoming leadership roles, our Year 10 AMICA leaders received their badges.
- Year 11: We presented Year 11 students with their Senior Student badge, marking their important transition into the senior school.
We also took a moment to bless and welcome the new staff members joining our community, wishing them a journey filled with fulfillment and connection.
Our 2026 Theme: “With Goodness at heart, we unite in action”
Developed by our Student Leadership Team, our theme for 2026 is: ‘With Goodness at heart, we unite in action.’
This is more than just a motto—it is the heartbeat of our school for the year ahead. It will guide our masses, reflection days, retreats, prayers, and classroom interactions. The theme reminds us that when we combine kindness and faith with a willingness to get involved, we create something truly powerful.
Our Goal for 2026: We, at Marist Sisters College Woolwich, aim to foster a culture where everyone feels empowered, supported, and inspired to take action. Whether it is engaging in new initiatives, uplifting peers, or simply embracing opportunities that challenge our comfort zones, we want every student to feel ready to make a difference.
Shrove Tuesday – Project Compassion
Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Students and staff can pre-order their pikelets via Flexi School from TODAY. The cut off date for orders will be Thursday, 12 February.
Each order will consist of 4 pikelets for $6 with the choice of butter, jam or honey. There is a gluten free option also. There will be a small amount of pikelets available to sell on the day – please bring coins/cash.
The orders will be distributed near the Flat at recess on Tuesday, 17th of February. All proceeds will go to Caritas’ Project Compassion.
Friday Rosary
From Friday, Week 4 20th February, Rosary will be held in the school Chapel. Students are invited and encouraged to attend.
As we strive to keep Mary’s spirit alive, this is a beautiful opportunity to pause, reflect, and offer your intentions for those you love.
Take a break from the noise, center your spirit, and unite in prayer before the weekend begins.
