Mary MacKillop

This Week we celebrated the feast day of Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. Mary MacKillop was born in Victoria, the eldest of 8 children. While working as a teacher, she met and was inspired by Fr Tennison Woods who wanted to provide education to children in the outback. In 1866, along with Fr Tennison she founded Australia’s first religious order, the Congregation of Sisters of St Joseph and opened the first Catholic school. After her vows she became known as Mary of the Cross. Mary spent her life giving and caring for others by opening orphanages, homes for the homeless, schools and hospitals. Throughout her life Mary faced fierce opposition and was even excommunicated. In the face of trial, Mary showed forgiveness, insisting no ill be spoken to those who wronged her. Mary was a remarkable, strong female leader in Australia during the 1800s. She died on the 8^thAugust 1909 at the age of 67. Pope John Paul II declared that she could become Australia’s first saint on January 9^th, 1995.

Prayer for Mary Mac Killop

God of compassion, God of all people,

 we praise you for your servant, Mary MacKillop,

 who gave her life to serve amongst the poor and oppressed.

As she is honoured in our world,

may we continue to learn to share her vision.

Be with us as we strive to follow her and

carry out her mission of service and care.

Amen

 Winter Woolies Day 22nd August

Tuesday of week 6, we will be having a Winter Woolies Day in support of the Vinnies Winter Appeal. The day will begin with mass at St Michael’s at 9:30am. Parents are most welcome to join us for mass. During the day staff of Saint Vincent de Paul will run workshops to help educate students on homelessness. One of the ways we are asking families to support the day is by donations. Donations could include warm winter clothing and blankets and/or new adult sized gloves and socks. The night patrol van is also in particular need of toothpaste and shaving cream. If you don’t have items to donate, a gold coin donation would be appreciated. On the day we will have labeled tubs in which you can place your items. Donations will be gratefully accepted by the team at Vinnies and be distributed to those experiencing homelessness in our local community.  On the day students can wear their own Winter Woolies, comfortable warm clothing suitable for school.

 Key Dates RE for Term 3

For all Religious Education enquiries please email Erika Tokich at: