From The Religious Education Coordinator
An important Lenten Message from the Pope: Like Lazarus, may we hear the Lord’s call to new life
On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Pope Leo spoke about the Lord’s raising of Lazarus, “a sign that speaks of Christ’s victory over death and of the gift of eternal life, which we receive through Baptism.”
The Pope said Jesus tells us today, just as he did to Lazarus’ sister Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die”.
The Gospel reading comes just before Holy Week when we relive the events of the Lord’s Passion — his entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the trial, the crucifixion, the burial – the Pope recalled. In this way we can prepare ourselves and better appreciate their significance, meaning and be open to the gift of grace they offer.
God’s grace illumines the world, the Pope reminded us, while we often get lost looking for things that can never give us lasting happiness, such as the constant search for novelty that consumes time, energy, values and sensitivity we have for others, “as if fame, material goods, entertainment and fleeting relationships could fill our hearts or make us immortal.”
We all carry “longing for the infinite” within us, he concluded, “a need that cannot be satisfied by passing things.” And as Saint Augustine wrote, “we are made for God, and we find no peace until we rest in him.”
In conclusion, the Pope encouraged us to see how the account of the resurrection of Lazarus invites us then, with the help and power of the Holy Spirit, to “free our hearts from habits, conditioning and ways of thinking which, like boulders, shut us away in the tomb of selfishness, materialism, violence and superficiality.”
Year 12 Retreat
In Week 7, our Year 12 cohort stepped away from the busyness of school life and travelled to Mittagong for their long‑awaited retreat. Surrounded by rolling hills, crisp country air and the peaceful grounds of the Hermitage, students embraced a week dedicated to reflection, connection and personal growth. Guided by the theme Faith, Hope and Love, each day offered new opportunities to pause, breathe and rediscover what truly matters.
The retreat began with a creative and symbolic activity: decorating candles to represent the light we carry within ourselves and share with others. Students then worked together to create cloth artworks in their small groups, each piece reflecting the unique stories, strengths and hopes of the individuals within it. The day concluded with a beautiful liturgy that set the tone for the days ahead.
The second day invited us into a deeper sense of calm with a silent sensory walk around the property. Later, students wrote affirmations for one another, heartfelt messages that would become treasured keepsakes. The day continued with Mass and the opportunity for confession, offering space for spiritual renewal. The day ended with laughter and excitement as groups battled it out in a very competitive trivia session.
On the final morning, students gathered for one last liturgy before reading their affirmations. There were plenty of tears; of gratitude, of joy, and of the bittersweet realisation that the retreat was coming to an end. A sincere thank you to Miss Millett and Mrs Colreavy for their dedication, guidance and care throughout the retreat. Their support helped make the experience meaningful, memorable and deeply appreciated by all who attended. We returned as a cohort not only refreshed, but strengthened as a cohort ready to face the year ahead with renewed faith, hope and love.
On behalf of the Year 12 cohort
Harriet and Sarah
Friday Rosary
Every Friday during lunch, we are invited to come together in prayer in our Chapel to pray a decade of the Rosary. For me, participating in Friday Rosary allows me to reset after a busy week, clearing my mind for the weekend and the new week ahead. The Chapel is a safe place for you to go and give anything you’re worried, stressed or anxious about to God through prayer. It is genuinely such a beautiful thing to witness everyone coming together in prayer, and afterwards, you walk out in time to have something to eat with a newfound sense of peace. Friday Rosary is something I would truly recommend everyone to participate in, whether you are seeking to deepen your faith, want to try something new or even if you need respite from your busy schedule.
- Sofia Vella
Project Compassion: Jaricot and Perroton
Jaricot and Perroton are thrilled to reflect on the success of our recent bake sale in support of Caritas Project Compassion. It was fantastic to see the whole college community come together, with students and staff stopping by to pick up a baked good and show their support, along with students assisting with the selling and serving of all of the treats. Every item sold was baked by a Jaricot or Perroton student, making the day even more special and meaningful. The bake sale not only raised an incredible amount of money for a great cause, but also highlighted the generosity, creativity, and spirit within our school community. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed by baking, buying, or simply spreading the word. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Jaricot and Perroton Co-Captains,
Lola Donkin, Elka Byczkov, Jessica Elias, Alissa Tosh, Keona Galea, and Ashley Alam.
