Ash Wednesday
This year the liturgical season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday on Wednesday 22 February. The Year 10 Ministry students led our College liturgies for each year level that included the distribution of ashes. Homeroom representatives collected their Project Compassion box and a candle was lit as a sign of their commitment to support this cause throughout Lent.
“I led two of the liturgies and I found this very reflective.”
— Grace Carlile (Year 10 Gold)
“I got to read a lovely reading and for the first time I got to give out the ashes. I was able to reflect on what God has done for us.”
— Isabella Ciantar (Year 10 Purple)
Year 7 — Sacred Spaces excursion
During Week 5, Year 7 students went on an excursion into the CBD and visited three sacred spaces to the Catholic tradition in Fitzroy, all within a 10-minute walk from each other. They were:
- the Ursula Frayne Chapel at one of our sister Mercy schools, Academy of Mary Immaculate
- the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, to find out more about Australia’s first Catholic saint
- St Patrick’s Cathedral, to explore the side garden and inside the building itself.
This experience helped students make connections between their classroom learning about our Mercy tradition in Australia, Catholic places of worship and their own faith.
“All the churches were beautiful. It was a great experience with amazing culture and sights to see.”
— Nathan Millington (Year 7 Blue)
“I really enjoyed going and learning lots about Mary MacKillop.”
— Noah Stephens (Year 7 Blue)
Year 8 — NGV and Mass excursion
During Weeks 4 and 5, Year 8 students travelled to the CBD to visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and also attend Mass in the city. This experience helped students make connections between their classroom learning on the life of Jesus through art and real-life experiences by viewing religious artwork of the Medieval period and the Renaissance. Celebrating Mass with the general public in the CBD also broadened their faith horizons.
“It was interesting seeing St Patrick’s Cathedral and it amazed me that it was built more than 150 years ago. It was cool to see the artwork at the NGV and see how people interpreted things and expressed themselves back then.”
— Olivia Mollo (Year 8 Orange)
“I learnt so much, and getting to see the art about Jesus totally fascinated me. The Cathedral was amazing, and I loved the experience of the Mass and observing the details of the Cathedral.”
— Zeke Villani (Year 8 Blue)
