A STORY OF TWO MARY'S 
FEAST OF ST MARY MAGDALENE AND THE FEAST OF MARY MACKILLOP

A woman of strength, presence, resilience, hope and love. On Saturday 22 July we acknowledged a woman from within our tradition who epitomises these qualities. Saint Mary Magdalene has always been regarded as the first witness of the Lord’s resurrection and the first evangelist.

Mary Magdalene’s story is a moving and inspiring one. After Mary encountered Jesus and experienced some healing, she followed him throughout his active ministry. Mary Magdalene was there when Jesus was nailed to the Cross; she was there when he died. Mary Magdalene was the first one to see that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. She was the first to meet Jesus after his resurrection and was the first to go out and tell others about this. Mary Magdalene was a loyal friend and a true disciple of Jesus. She loved Christ and was loved by Christ.

Friday 8 August is the solemnity for St Mary of the Cross Mackillop and we celebrate MacKillop Day. Two of my favourite quotes of hers are “never see a need without doing something about it” and “we have much to be thankful”.

Mary was a determined woman who set about making a difference in the lives of the children on Penola, South Australia. Together with Reverend Julian Tennison Woods she founded the sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. While setting up schools for the rural poor and changing lives her order grew.

After a period of great growth and success with her order, Mary suffered the humiliation of excommunication from the Church. Later, an episcopal commission completely exonerated her. Her life of devotion to doing God’s will is an example for all.

Mary MacKillop was Canonised on October 17, 2010 at St Peter's Basilica, Rome. Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed Mary's sainthood during the Canonisation Mass. Over 8000 pilgrims from Australia and New Zealand attended the ceremony.

 The Church does not make a saint – it recognises a saint. Canonisation is the act by which the Holy Father declares in a definitive and solemn way that a Catholic Christian is actually in the glory of heaven, intercedes for us before the Lord and is to be publicly venerated by the whole Church. Canonisation is a double statement – about the life of the person and also about the faith of the people who are alive at this moment. They are as much a part of the canonisation as the person who is being recognised.”

If any parent or student has not had the opportunity to travel to North Sydney, to Mary MacKillop Place, I urge you to do so. A short walk from the train station and close to the Catholic University Campus, this tranquil and prayerful place is where Mary lived much of her life, died and is buried.

 HSC TRIAL EXAMS

I wish the Year 12 group of students all the best for their exams over the next two weeks. We have a talented group of seniors who, if they perform to their ability, will do themselves proud.

These exams can be stressful for many so managing self through them is important. If your child is in Year 12 please support them during the next few weeks.

We also approach the due dates of the MAJOR PROJECTS. These students have been dedicated and hard working in developing, constructing and completing these.

SCHOOL PLAY

I had the opportunity to watch the school play – Fight With all Your Might, the Zombies of the Night – several times. Each time I witnessed the confidence and quality of performance improve as the students lost their initial fears of performing in front of crowds. Congratulations to all involved, especially Mr Burian and Ms McKay.

CROSS + GENERATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

NETBALL CARPARK

This project is finally complete and we can return to our normal use of this wonderful resource. As always I ask parents and carers who pick up students to be patient and careful driving around the pick up areas. The ‘peak’ traffic issues last less than ten minutes and a small amount of patience will be rewarded.

FINALLY

I wish all well as we progress throughout these colder months and head toward spring. At the recent School Assembly I reminded students that as we pass the half way mark of this year, to reflect on their learning and judge whether they have grown in the learning by the same – or more. Learning growth is a journey that never ceases, it also has varying paces. Make the most of this and life opportunities open up.

I wish all families and staff a wonderful few weeks until the next Newsletter.