Mission Report

by Director of Mission, Mr Geoff Brodie

The rhythm and rituals of the liturgical season unfold the entire mystery of Christ over the course of the year. This Sunday the season of Advent begins.

When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 524)

The ardent desire that manifests as hope in the future defines a deep longing of the human spirit. In our faith, this hope is in a God who loves us so much he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way to a full life.

Our recent days have been full of acts of hope and joy that are the rituals of this time of year. Last Friday the Senior School gathered for the Valedictory Dinner in the O’Malley Gym which underwent transition from sports hall to the venue for fine dining, fine speeches and conversation among friends. The current Year 11 students have completed the HeadStart program that marks the beginning of their Year 12 studies. The Junior School Awards ceremony on Thursday night acknowledges the growth of our students as they continue their St Patrick’s adventure in new ways, anticipating the trials and successes of the next twelve months. In the next few days we will host the new students in their orientation to St Patrick’s College.

Though our rituals celebrate what we have shared, these rites of passages are also essential in expressing the hope of what is to come. A school is a blessed place to share in so many lives that anticipate a flourishing future. St Patrick’s College is also defined by the return of so many old boys to recount their adventures in the wider world and catch up with friends. At the commencement of Advent in 2019, we do not return to a lifeless routine that is indistinguishable from previous years. Rather, in the unity of the living God, born into human history through Mary, we restate our joy in a present that is animated by the certain hope of eternal blessed life.

God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. (CCC 1)

The Mission Team wishes you all every grace and blessing as this year comes to an end. May your joy at Christmas fill your hearts with the abundant love of God, and may our families be united in ever deeper bonds that reflect the great truth: God is love.