FAREWELL FR PATRICK FAHERTY

It was announced last weekend that Fr Patrick Faherty will be retiring as parish priest of Nowra. We would like to recognise his magnificent contribution to the parish, the diocese and most of all to us here at St John’s.

Fr Pat has been both a spiritual guide and good friend. He has always given his time generously to our school community by being there for us to celebrate the sacraments, and share his words of wisdom in his homilies, especially on key events like Foundation day and the Year 12 graduation. Fr Pat has joined us on reflection days and other special events. However it has been in our most difficult times that we have been most blessed with his support and practical assistance. 

Whilst Fr Pat was an outstanding leader it is through his humility and ability to so peacefully walk beside us that he has shone. Never one for the front of the stage, on many occasions he would slip quietly in and watch from the back. His presence was heartwarming and truly a presence of Jesus in our lives.

Fr Pat was so very generous with his time. I don’t believe that he ever understood what it meant to take a day off! He usually worked late into the evening and was so often present at the parish centre. This is probably one reason why he was so very effective in his ministry. He gave his time to meet with people and get to know them. He knows them in a way that shows that every person is unique and valued by him. 

Personally, I have valued his support as a spiritual guide and good friend, Fr Pat was always available for a chat and loved to hear about how things are going at St John’s. He took true delight in hearing our stories.

Well, the day has finally come for him to take some rest and, whilst we will miss him dearly, we have been so very blessed for the gift that is Fr Patrick Faherty. We wish him all the best in his retirement and will always be grateful for being the face of God to all of us in such a genuine and caring way. Fr Pat truly lives our school motto ‘Pax Christi’ and personifies our school prayer ‘The Peace Prayer of St Francis’.

God Bless you Fr Pat.

YEAR 12

Congratulations to our Year 12 students on their very positive engagement with their TRIAL exams. We are all looking forward to their return to school on Monday and wish them the best in their final weeks. There are some very special events planned to help make these days memorable. This time is also so very critical for all students as they prepare for their final HSC exams.

HSC STUDENTS - PRIORITY COVID TESTING