Faith and Mission News – 24 November 2022

As we rapidly approach the end of the school year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff and families for their continued support of the faith life of our College. We often hear the expression that the Catholic school is ‘church’ for many in our community and it’s important that we are identified by our commitment to building up the Kingdom of God through our religious education program, the liturgical celebrations, daily prayer and by striving for a more just, equitable and caring world through our fundraising and awareness-raising activities.

I believe that our community can be proud of these commitments this year and I wish all, a blessed Christmas and a safe and restful holiday break.

Graduation Mass

On Wednesday 23 November, our Year 12 cohort and families met for one last time to celebrate Mass and the students’ graduation from Catherine McAuley College. It is always with mixed emotions that we farewell our Year 12s, who have led the College with such enthusiasm throughout the year. The celebration was a fitting end to their time at the College, which began for many of the students with Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and now concludes in the same way. A beautiful ‘bookend’ to their time at CMC. We wish all the graduating class the very best for what the future holds for them.

Prayer for the End of the School Year

O God of all beginnings and endings,
we praise and thank you for the gift of this school year.
It has been a time filled with grace and blessings
with challenges and opportunities, joys and sorrows.

The days have passed quickly, O Lord.
The weeks, the months, the seasons, the holidays and the holy days,
the exams, breaks and assemblies, retreats, camps, liturgies,
all have come from you.

Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer.
Let our efforts of this past year bear fruit.
Bring all our plans to a joyful conclusion,
and bless us, according to Your will,
with the fulfilment of our summer hopes and dreams.

Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead,
and guide each day as you have done this past year.
Help us to return to school with a new spirit and new energy.

May we continue to grow in age, wisdom, knowledge and grace
all the days of our life.
AMEN.

(Travers, A. (2015). Oxygen for the soul. Kilkenny: Veritas Publications.)

Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir Scholarships

The Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir in Bendigo is currently wishing to recruit new members from amongst the students at local secondary Colleges. The mixed-voice Cathedral Choir (of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses) currently comprises around 25 members, approximately one third of whom are on scholarship.

The scholarships, currently valued at $1,200 per year, offer a wonderful opportunity for students to contribute towards the liturgy at Sacred Heart Cathedral and to further their musical education and appreciation.

Altar Servers Ministry

Our Cluster Parishes of Sacred Heart Cathedral, St Monica’s Kangaroo Flat and St Joseph’s Quarry Hill are looking for new altar servers. Recruitment is open for those who have received their Confirmation and First Eucharist and are willing to serve in the Church. Expressions of interest are most welcome. Please contact Fr DJ via email (dj.suguitan@sandhurst.catholic.org.au) or phone the Parish Office at 5443 4400.

Mr Michael Goss, Director of Faith and Mission