2025 College Theme

Good morning and welcome to our College Mass. We would like to warmly welcome the following special guests for joining us in this significant College celebration.

• Sister Anne Cosser, Sister of Mercy
• Fr Junray and Fr Jackson Saunders who are celebrating Mass with us today.

Welcome also to our 2024 award recipients and families. And finally, welcome staff and students.

We are honoured to stand before you today as your 2025 College Captains and to welcome you all – students, staff, families and members of our wider community – to our Opening Mass for the year. It is a privilege to begin this new school year together in prayer and reflection, united by the Mercy tradition that shapes who we are as a College.

Each year, we are given a theme that calls us to live with purpose and intention. This year’s theme, inspired by the words of Catherine McAuley, is: We can never say, ‘it is enough’. These words challenge us to continue striving, growing and giving – not just for ourselves, but for each other and for our world. They remind us that we are called to be people of action, not content with simply doing the bare minimum, but always seeking ways to serve, love and lead with mercy.

So, how do we live this theme in our daily lives? We can find the answer in our Mercy Values: Service, Justice, Hospitality, Respect, Courage, and Compassion.

• Service – We can never say it is enough when there are still people in our community in need. Whether it’s through our outreach programs, volunteering, or simply lending a hand to a friend, we are called to serve with generosity and kindness.
• Justice – We can never say it is enough when injustice exists. We are challenged to be voices for the voiceless, to stand up for what is right, and to work towards a fairer and more just society.
• Hospitality – We can never say it is enough when there are still people who feel unwelcome or excluded. Let’s open our hearts and hands to those around us, making sure that everyone in our school community feels valued and accepted.
• Respect – We can never say it is enough when we still have the opportunity to treat each other with dignity and kindness. Every word, every action, and every interaction is a chance to show respect to those we encounter.
• Courage – We can never say it is enough when there are still challenges to face and dreams to pursue. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the sports field, in leadership, or in our faith journey, we are called to be courageous and embrace new opportunities.
• Compassion – We can never say it is enough when there are still people who need our care and understanding. By showing empathy and love, we can be a source of hope and support to those who are struggling.

As we embark on this new year, let us take these words of Catherine McAuley to heart. Let’s challenge ourselves to always go beyond what is expected, to always seek ways to grow in faith and kindness, and to never settle for ‘enough’ when we know we can do more.

May this Mass be a time of inspiration and renewal for us all. Let us ask God for the strength to live out our Mercy Values and to truly embody the spirit of Catherine McAuley in all that we do.

Thank you, and may this be a year filled with purpose, faith, and endless possibilities.

Jaida Raco & Caleb Tobin, College Captains