From The Religious Education Coordinator
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, August 6 (Year A)
Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Matthew 17:1–3
Jesus’ Transfiguration, which we celebrated on Thursday in our Community Mass, is cloaked in glory and mystery. Only Peter, James, and John were invited to witness the event.
When you read Scripture, do you approach it more as a problem solver or as a contemplative? While both approaches have their place, the contemplative always draws us more deeply into communion with God. Why? Because God is the greatest Mystery of all. He cannot be reduced to concepts or fully grasped by reason alone. We will never “figure out” God; we can only come to know and love Him as He chooses to reveal Himself.
Reflect today on how you approach divine mysteries. Receive them not merely with your intellect but with your heart. Savor what He gives, treasure the glimpses of His glory, and remain in humble awe before the mystery. For in reverent contemplation, we are not solving God, we are being drawn into His divine life.
My Transfigured Lord, I stand in awe before You—before Your majesty, Your glory, and the radiant splendor of Your divine presence. I rejoice in the great Mystery of who You are. Grant me the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, so that I may enter more deeply into all the mysteries of faith. But above all, fill my soul with wonder and awe, so that I may never cease to marvel at You, now and for all eternity. Jesus, I trust in You.
Pope’s August prayer intention: ‘for evangelisation in the city’
Pope Leo XIV releases his prayer intention for the month of August, and invites Catholics to pray ‘for evangelisation in the city,’ so that the Lord may accompany the millions who seek meaning amid noise and haste.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
https://youtu.be/1VqbMAITZK4?si=mKMSC3k1erhC7Usf
Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics across the globe to join him this August in praying for evangelisation in the city.
In his prayer, Pope Leo asks the “Good Shepherd” who “walks through our streets and squares,” to “enter tall buildings and humble neighborhoods,” and to “silently accompany millions” of people who “seek meaning amid noise and haste.”
The Chicago-born Pope acknowledges that while cities are meant to be places of “freedom and opportunity,” they can also become “spaces of anonymity and isolation.”
Thus, he expressed his hope that urban environments may provide “fertile ground” for proclaiming the Gospel.
The Holy Father also prayed that the faithful make “simple and loving gestures,” and do so together as a community that “goes forth,” and combats indifference and isolation with presence and fraternity.
Today, almost 45% of the world’s population lives in urban areas. Demographic growth has led to a high concentration of people, generating social and community challenges, including loneliness that affects the mental health of many people, especially young people.
The MSCW community has started Term 3 united and strengthened in our faith during Student-Led Tutor Group Liturgies during homeroom. It’s been incredible seeing our students take the lead, deepening their faith and further enriching the Marist spirit in our school community.
Social Justice Events
In Term 3 there are many opportunities for faith and service within our Marist community. With a range of events designed to strengthen faith participation and connection that comply with our Marist motto Goodness above all.
Our Marist in Action (MIA) lunch meetings continue this term fortnightly on Wednesday Day 8. These meetings are a space where students collaborate on social justice initiatives such as our Social Justice Day and Winter Appeal. We plan projects to strengthen the culture and outreach in and out of our school community. All students are welcome!
In Week 4 August 12 is Year 7, 8 & 9 Evangelisation Day where students will come together for a day to grow in faith and build connections with surrounding schools. Through engaging talks, music, activities and prayer it encourages students to get inspired. This will be followed by in Week 5 Year 7 and 8 Youth Afternoon at Marist Eastwood, where students will connect with peers from Marist Eastwood and Holy Cross through ministry activities, games and prayer.
Week 6 marks Social Justice day on Tuesday where during this week it is a time for our whole school community to reflect on justice, compassion and service. Aligning with the Australian Bishops Conference which 
revealed that the 2026 theme of social justice day is: The cost of our living, economic and social justice for the common good. Also during Week 6 our annual Winter Appeal continues this term to support vulnerable individuals and families facing hardships during these colder months. Starting Week 6 we encourage students to donate. (More details to follow)
In Week 7 August 31st Year 12 students have the opportunity to attend the Volunteer Expo in the evening. Where they have where they can meet with a range of charitable organisations, explore volunteer opportunities and discover ways to continue serving their communities beyond school. Finally during Week 7 on the 2nd of September is the Marist Connect Evening at Eastwood where it is an opportunity to connect with other Marist schools and celebrate our shared connection to our faith service and values.
During this term we encourage all students to get involved as these are wonderful opportunities to connect with the wider community in various ways.
Thank you
If you have any questions feel free to reach out.
Sophia Saoud and Luciana Arfi, Social Justice Captains
