Ministry and Evangelisation

Festa Christi
In Week 3, a group of Year 8 students from St Paul's College had the unique opportunity to attend the Festa Christi Retreat, a four-day experience designed to deepen their understanding of social justice and personal growth. Held at the picturesque Coffs Adventure Centre in Bonville, this retreat offered our students an invaluable chance to reflect, overcome personal challenges, and foster a stronger sense of empathy.

The retreat was divided into two sessions, with six boys participating on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by five girls on Thursday and Friday. The boys' group included James Browning, Lucas Chow, Ethan Layton, Dylan Micallef, Mateo Posterino Mendez, and Jayden van Kal. The girls' group was represented by Emily Brack, Phoebe Brown, Oases Cox, Tahla Kennard, and Rubi Lillia.

Festa Christi is more than just a retreat, it is an immersive experience that encourages students to "walk in another person’s shoes." Through various activities and reflections, our students confronted and overcame their fears, gaining a greater awareness of social justice issues and their role in the world. The retreat also provided time for prayer and quiet reflection, allowing students to connect with their faith on a deeper level.

The students participated in a range of outdoor activities, including a challenging mud course, a thrilling climbing wall, and the exhilarating giant swing. Each activity was designed to push students out of their comfort zones and help them build confidence and resilience.

The retreat concluded with a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist, bringing the students together in faith and fellowship. Thanks to Mr Geoff Melville and Mrs Barica Rafton for accompanying the students on this journey and providing their unwavering support throughout the retreat. Their guidance and encouragement played a vital role in making this experience truly memorable for our Year 8 students.

Festa Christi has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on those who attended, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow in their faith and commitment to social justice in the months and years to come.

Feast of the Assumption Mass
This week St Paul's College celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on Thursday with a special Mass, bringing our community together in faith and reflection. The mass, which honors the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was a beautiful and spiritually enriching experience for all who attended.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr James, who presided over the Mass, guiding us with his wisdom and spiritual leadership. A special thank you also goes to the talented choir, which included students from our Year 8 Music class, whose harmonious voices added a reverent and uplifting atmosphere to the celebration. Additionally, we are grateful to the Year 10 Catholic Youth Ministry class for their dedicated efforts in planning the Mass. Their thoughtful contributions included performing the readings and leading the prayers, helping to make the liturgy a meaningful and memorable occasion for our entire community.

This celebration of the Feast of the Assumption was a true testament to the spirit of collaboration and faith that defines St Paul's College.

Mary Mackillop Feast Day
On Wednesday, the MacKillop House gathered to honour the legacy of St Mary MacKillop with a special liturgy. The celebration took place at All Saints Catholic Church in Kempsey, where Fr James presided over a moving service that reflected on the life and virtues of Australia’s first saint.

Following the liturgy, students and staff returned to the college for a BBQ lunch, enjoying fellowship and reflecting on the day’s significance. The celebration highlighted the values of faith, compassion, perseverance, courage, and humility—qualities that Mary MacKillop embodied and that we strive to cultivate within our community.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr Aidhan Fahey, the MacKillop Pastoral Leader, for his exceptional efforts in organising the liturgy. His leadership ensured that the service was both meaningful and inspiring. Mr Fahey also arranged for readers and performers who contributed to the liturgy, as well as the presentation of awards to students who consistently demonstrate the core values of their patron saint.

A special thank you also goes to our House Spirit Leaders, Ella Mainey and Harry Gill, who played a pivotal role in the celebration by sharing the story of Mary MacKillop. Their presentation offered a powerful reminder of how Mary’s life continues to inspire us to live with courage and compassion.

The MacKillop Liturgy was a wonderful occasion that not only celebrated our house patron but also brought our College community closer together in faith and unity.