This evening, our Year 7 boys who were staying in the night were rostered on to lead the weekly mass here at the College. This means that they do all the readings as well as the Offertory Procession and handing out of mass booklets.

This is an excellent experience for the boys and also a real confidence builder. It is certainly hoped that their experiences in contributing to masses is something that they can take back into their home parishes both during the holidays and when they leave school.

This evening’s mass was an important celebration for us as we prepare for the Canonisation of Mary MacKillop. There is no doubt that Mary MacKillop (who will become known as Saint Mary of the Cross after Sunday) will always be important to us as Australia’s first Saint. For boys at Joeys, a school with so many from country areas of Australia, Mary MacKillop’s determination to educate children in rural areas makes this celebration all the more important for us.

With Fr Andrew being in Rome for the Canonisation, we were fortunate for Fr Bob Barber to preside over mass this evening. In his homily it was very fitting that Fr Bob highlighted to the boys that Mary MacKillop presents as an excellent role model for us. In particular, he highlighted two of her strong attributes. Firstly her courage as she fought strong opposition throughout her time (which included excommunication from the Church at one stage) and secondly, her absolute trust in God. Both these traits, Fr Bob explained, were important for us all to develop.

We thank Fr Bob for joining us in this important celebration and congratulate the Year 7 boys who read and contributed to the mass so well this evening.

Pictured: Jack Biddle (Armidale) and Bayley O’Donnell (Hong Kong)