Graduation Mass and Celebration 2023

On Thursday 16 November, Year 12 students at Catherine McAuley College acknowledged the end of their school days with a joyful Graduation Mass and Celebration.

Held in the magnificent Sacred Heart Cathedral, extended families, loved ones and invited guests were welcomed to the grand space to witness this milestone moment for the graduands who have endured more challenges than usual in the final years of school.

The Graduation Mass commenced with a procession of the Class of 2023 along with a presentation of meaningful items that symbolised the past six years. For Year 7, a uniform item represented this cohort, who were the first to wear the CMC uniform for their full six years. Year 8 was represented by a surfer toy, referencing the special Anglesea Camp. Other items were a surgical mask, downball, laptop, REACH program flyer and for Year 12 a graduation cap.

The Mass was concelebrated by The Most Reverend Shane Mackinlay DD Bishop of Sandhurst, Rev. Dr Brian Boyle EV ADM, Father Junray Rayna, Reverend Andrew Fewings and Monsignor Frank Marriott. The students took an active role in the parts of the Mass while the music was provided by a combined Coolock and St Mary’s choir which included staff.

Parents of graduating student Jasper Cheesman, Rachael and Alistair Cheesman, reflected on their experience as parents navigating the school years and being part of the College community. Students Maggie Keating and Nikolas Makris spoke on behalf of the Class of 2023 with a nostalgic reflection, unique to this cohort.

During the Graduation Blessing and Ceremony part of the occasion, each student from the Class of 2023 received a mission cross, certificate and Class of 2023 lapel pin. The cross represents the unique call and mission of each student in going forward from the College community of faith.

The Class of 2023 were encouraged to be people of Mercy and agents of change in our world, striving to emulate the Gospel Values and Catherine’s dream of education, equity and support for the poor.

Principal, Mr Brian Turner congratulated the Class of 2023 for their outstanding service and contribution to College life during the past six years. Their conduct has been appreciated by all involved with them as they persevered through many unexpected challenges. He hoped that their efforts and capacity to thrive in the face of adversity will serve them well.

One of the most cherished elements of graduation – the Ceremony of Light was a moving part of the service. The light is symbolic of an ending and a beginning – the Easter light, the symbol of Christ. It is also the light of love, wisdom, faith and of hope. The students processed from the Cathedral with their candles to light their way into their future.

Following the Graduation Mass, graduates and their parents and carers made their way to the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct to celebrate the end of exams, the end of their school life and the beginning of their new lives as young adults.

Graduation Mass photos by Peter Hughes and Felicity Johnson. 

Graduation Celebration photos by Laura Hoye Photography