From The Religious Education Coordinator

Christ the Good Shepherd of Us All

Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A)—Good Shepherd Sunday

“But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ”  John 10:2-4

Four things happen in this story:

First, the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd.
Second, the shepherd calls his own sheep by name.
Third, the sheep hear his voice.
Fourth, the shepherd leads the sheep through the gate.

Who is the “gatekeeper?”  Saint Augustine says that one answer to this is that the gatekeeper is the Holy Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit is to open our minds to the truth, to a deeper understanding of Scripture, and therefore, to a deeper understanding of Christ Himself. Therefore, the Holy Spirit will open your mind and your heart to know and love Christ as your shepherd, if you let Him.

Once this happens, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will speak your name, personally. Not audibly, but through the gift of faith. You are not only one of many sheep; rather, you are His dear one whom He knows and loves on an intimate and personal level. Therefore, this passage calls us to an intimate and personal relationship with Christ the Good Shepherd.

Knowing we are personally and intimately loved by Christ, that we are called by name, invites and encourages us to listen. Do you listen?  And if you listen, do you hear?  “Hearing” Christ speak to us in this personal and intimate way should motivate us to action.

What action? To be led. Normally a shepherd walks behind the sheep and they run on ahead. But in this story, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Who calls you by name, leads you “through the gate.”  Jesus Himself is the Gate. We are called to become one with Him and, through Him, to enter into the bosom of the Father in Heaven. Through Him we enter into new life itself, life of union with Him Who is our Shepherd.

Reflect, today, upon this fourfold journey to which you are called. Pray to the Holy Spirit that your mind and heart will be opened to know and love Christ. Then prayerfully listen for Christ to speak to you. Hear Him, respond to Him and allow Him to draw you into His open heart of perfect love.

Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.mycatholic.life

https://mycatholic.life/books/catholic-daily-reflections-series/lent-and-easter-reflections/11-fourth-week-of-easter/ 

 

Reflection On Year 11 Reflection Day

Reflection days are watershed moments in which year groups at the college engage in to reflect on friendship, leadership and our greater Marist Vision. As our preliminary year continues, and leadership opportunities arise, our Year 11 cohort gathered together last Friday, to band together in sisterly connection and strengths. Our Reflection day was run and organised by Ms Millett, and Mrs Colreavy, and focused on leading with compassion. Our focus passage was Colossians 3:12.”Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”Throughout the day we engaged in numerous activities to help envision our aims as Year 12’s, 2027, and the legacy we wanted to leave behind. In smaller groups led by the other teachers present, we also discussed our definitions of a leader, worked together to brainstorm new initiatives, share them, and delve deeper into the life of Mary through a poem. Intertwining her strength, with relatability and how every individual has the capacity to lead with integrity. 

Additionally, our Reflection day had a strong focus on our Marist Compass, and how it drives us to lead. Reinforcing our expectations as Marist women, to empower others, embrace courage, share our gifts and unite within sisterhood to foster change. As a whole, our Year 11 Reflection day gave me the opportunity to stretch myself and welcome the courage to share my ideas, interact with others and listen to what our grade wanted to achieve together, before our time at MSCW was up. Our Reflection day was fueled with pivotal examples on leading with compassion, and influenced positive interactions within our year group, allowing us to reflect on friendship, leadership, and our individual Marist identities. 

By Luciana Arfi (CHV1)

 

This term Mrs Colreavy launched the first bible study group called “At His Feet” at lunchtime in the chapel. The focus was John’s account of the Resurrection of Jesus which we unpacked and viewed with new eyes. The passage revealed so much about Jesus’ relationship with the women around him and how this demonstrated how clearly counter cultural he was. He gave Mary Magdalene the most important message in human history. He appeared first to a woman- Mary- and told her to go and tell what she had witnessed. There will be many witnesses to come but Mary is the FIRST witness. There were 20 participants and everyone really enjoyed themselves. The next session is 22/5 and this will be student led. We hope to see lots of students there.

 

 

Year 7 Stewards of Creation

The topic that we are looking at this term is Stewardship and being Stewards of Creation. It is an important topic to learn about because it fulfils our role to protect the planet and its resources for future generations and honours our Creator. Stewardship of creation is a vital responsibility that acknowledges the Earth as a divine gift, which humans are called to nurture, protect and care for. It serves as an essential representation of faith, honouring God by responsibly managing resources and preventing the erosion of ecosystems. Ethical stewardship ensures that the Earth’s natural resources are available for coming generations and protects the environment, which often affects the most at-risk populations. Ultimately, this duty reflects a sacred call to care for the world, balancing the need to use natural resources with the need to protect and preserve them. This is a great topic for us to be learning about because it empowers us to sustain our planet’s health for future communities while developing a deeper sense of responsibility toward the natural world.

By Loreta Canto (Year 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Masses – All staff, students and parents welcome

Week 5 21st May – RCiA Student’s Commissioning Mass

Please join us to celebrate the school formally recognising  3 of our students pledging their intention to complete the Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist. 

Week 8 11th June – Community Mass