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)

Over the last few weeks a group of our boys have taken very special steps along their spiritual path. The first of these was the baptism of Ibbi Warfield (Lane Cove) and Jono Chambers (Wildes Meadow). This is a very important moment for the boys as they join our Catholic family and it was wonderful to see not only their families at the ceremony but also many of the boys’ friends – some boarders who were back early on the Sunday night and some day students who made the extra trip in to join the boys on this special occasion. A big congratulations and welcome to both Ibbi and Jono!

Just under two weeks ago a large group of our boys (who were joined by some older boys and girls) made their Confirmation. This ceremony, con-celebrated by good friend of the College Bishop David Cremin and Fr Andrew, was wonderful and certainly made the night one to remember for the boys involved and their families. Bishop Cremin’s timely sense of humour with the boys was certainly greatly appreciated and once again, it was fantastic to have him here at the College.

The sacrament of Confirmation is a very important step in the spiritual maturity of the boys and once again, it was great to see so many of their family members joined by a large contingent of their friends – making the night a wonderful celebration!

Congratulations to the boys below made their confirmation:

Today, we had our Year 7 Form Mass. This was a wonderful event which saw the boys participate exceptionally well in not only their singing and responses, but also in the readings and a drama performance during the Gospel.

This mass was the first time that the boys have celebrated mass together in the chapel and this in itself is an important event, keeping in mind the importance of our faith here at the College. As well as this, however, at the mass, the boys were presented with their College Bible. Mr Tarlinton spoke to the boys about the importance of them looking after their Bible and his hope that it would be something that they would have with them not only for the time they are at Joeys but also beyond.

A special thanks must go to the Religious Education staff who worked with the boys in preparing each part of the liturgy. Seeing the boys participate as they did is a clear indication that the boys have a deep respect for their faith and the Religious Education Staff have helped greatly in fostering this so far this year.

Pictured:  Harry Tate (Bronte) receives his Bible from Mr Tarlinton