Director of Mission

I warmly welcome everyone back to the College. We started off our term with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration at the Beginning of Year Mass and Investiture of the Senior Students of 2021. Our Parish Priest, Fr. Siby, performed the Mass and our special guest was Board Chair, Sr. Helen Mary Peters.

During the Mass we gave thanks for the many gifts God has given us and committed to continue Catherine McAuley’s mission to work towards peace and justice through works of charity and service in all that we do.

Included in the ceremony was a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and cultural dance performed by Mr Ashley Saltner and the Wulgurukaba Walkabout dancers.

An important part of the Investiture of the Senior Students is the blessing of the badges. It was a beautiful and moving ceremony where the 2021 senior cohort pledged to lead our College with purpose, faith, mercy, courage and compassion. This group of young women are excited to continue the great work of those who have walked before them and leave their own legacy for those that will follow. After receiving their badges, the girls recited the Senior Prayer:

“In this, our senior year at St Patrick’s College Townsville, help us to lead with courage, to swim against the tide.  Lord, keep us alert, help us to stand firm in our faith and be courageous and strong. May the Lord’s mercy be in our hearts, so that we can then be the face of Mercy to others.  Assist us in the journey of leadership throughout 2021 so that we fulfil our roles to continue to build our College as a community of faith, respect and compassion.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.  AMEN”

At St Patrick’s College, we find ways to live the Mercy Values of Hope, Compassion, Justice, Integrity, Respect and Joy. I look forward to spending time with your daughters and encourage them to take part in the Mercy Girls In Action community service group and the McAuley Ministry faith and mission group.