FAITH AND MISSION

This week at St Patrick’s College Townsville, we celebrate NAIDOC week.

GOSPEL

Isaiah 40 :28 – 31

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.”

REFLECTION

This Gospel reading from Isaiah shows the great strength we have when we have hope in our God. During this week of celebrations of our First Nations people, let’s take a moment to stop, reflect and think about those who have paved the way for us in the past.

David Unaipon was an indigenous author, inventor & preacher. David preached in many different churches. He faced many challenges as an indigenous man in the early 1900’s. He influenced Aboriginal government policy in the 1920’s and 1930’s. His love of God gave him the strength to be able to GET UP, STAND UP & SHOW UP and to be a valued member of his community. Another place you can find his face these days is on the back of the $50 note.

Eddie Koiki Mabo fought for the rights of indigenous people. He was a strong community leader and land rights campaigner. Throughout his life, Mabo demonstrated initiative, originality, determination, intelligence, and commitment to obtaining justice for Indigenous Australians and recognition of the traditional land rights of his family and people. Eddie was filled with God’s spirit and this gave him the strength to GET UP, STAND UP and SHOW UP for his Torres Strait Islander community.

Both men were weary at times but were given strength by God to carry on. They soared like eagles and walked proudly with their Lord to be an inspiration to all their people.

As a College, when we reflect this NAIDOC week we focus on “Community” and our Mercy values – let us remember to show compassion, respect, hope, justice and joy to all we meet and continue to be inclusive of all people no matter their race and culture.

PASSING OF THE LIGHT MASS

Each year the College holds a Passing of the Light Mass, a ritual signifying the passing of leadership from the graduating Year 12 students to the Year 11 cohort. Our Year 11 and 12 families are warmly invited to join their daughter/s at this evening celebration. This celebration will be held on Wednesday, 14 September, beginning at 6.00pm.

MERCY DAY

In just under three weeks we will be celebrating Mercy Day, beginning the day with Mass led by Bishop Tim. After this, all students will be involved in a range of Mercy Works activities in the middle session and we will conclude this amazing day with our annual St Patrick’s College Townsville Talent Show! Ms. Veuksio, myself and the Mercy Girls are very busy planning for this special day. Thank you also to Sister Catherine Cuddihy for assisting the Mercy Girls with making the 650 yellow roses to be given out and shared with our College Community during Mass.

Elissa Andrews

DEAN OF FAITH & MISSION