Mission Report

by Assistant Principal -Mission and Identity, Mr Geoff Brodie

We have begun the Season of Lent: that solemn time in preparation for the great joy of Easter. Our College Chaplain, Fr Eladio Lizada, led us in our whole school liturgy on Ash Wednesday morning.

College Principal, Mr Steven O’Connor, invited us into the solemnity of the occasion with the following reflection.

Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of our Lenten journey, a journey that invites us to reflect upon the things that matter most; the things of the heart that lead us to fullness of life. 

Today we mark ourselves with the sign that reminds us, and proclaims to all whom we meet, that we believe Jesus is the source of all life.  In a moment we will come together to join in prayers and rituals that invite us into this sacred time.  As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice Tradition, today is a very important today.

The ashes we will receive today remind us that our hearts, minds, and hands must always be seeking a better way of living.  The life, teaching, death, and Resurrection of Jesus are the great events that have gained for us eternal life. They are the events that underpin our Touchstones.

Let us start today in sacred silence.

When we are silent, we are open to everything and everyone around us.

When we are silent, we become attentive to the beauty of God’s creation.

When we are silent, we are open to the constant voice of God’s love.

When we are silent, we can find the courage to act for justice and in solidarity with the voiceless.

I ask you to now stand and be silent, as our College Chaplain, Fr Eladio, comes forward to lead us in prayer today.

During the Liturgy College vice-captain, Isaac Hucker, lead our General Intercessions. These prayers are offered below as an invitation into your own moment of prayer.

That the Church will turn back to God with a sincere and contrite heart.

That nations will always seek the ways of peace and justice for their people. May they never accept marginalisation of the young and elderly.

That those who are poor and destitute will find us generous and compassionate, inspired by the Gospel and welcoming to all.

That we will always be motivated by love – a love that is perfectly happy in serving God and our neighbour with justice and solidarity.

That in this time of Lent we will be liberated from sin in all its forms, especially selfishness and greed, and ask for God’s forgiveness. May we repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.

That those who have gone before us will reach their eternal reward.

Fr Eladio proclaimed the message of Lent as a call to holiness and righteousness through the power of God’s love. To be holy is not to do great things, but to do everything with great love. Our unconditional generosity of love becomes the basis of our flourishing relationships, which is what we name righteousness. The way of holiness and righteousness is love for God and our neighbour, but there is no holiness with battling the things that stop us from loving (2 Tim 4). Lent is the season when we support each other in our battle to be perfected in and through love.