From the Faith and Mission Team

Mother's Day Breakfast and Mass

On Friday 9th May, St Andrews hosted their annual Mother's Day Breakfast and Mass. It was a wonderful celebration of the significant women in our community who mould our young people through love and sacrifice, their presence nurturing and guiding their children into the people God has made them to be. Our opening prayer reflected the love that God had for Mary as his mother, entrusting himself to Mary’s watchful hands as a vulnerable infant. Since then, every act of mothering, both physical and spiritual, at every time and every corner of the world recollects Mary’s motherhood. Inspired by this example, we, too, were happy to take the opportunity to honour our mothers and mother figures within the St Andrews community. Thank you to all the Mothers who attended or who could not be with us. Thank you to Miss Serbin and the catering team. Thank you to our SRC Student Leaders who so beautifully welcomed our Mothers and led us in prayer. Thank you also to Fr Lauro, who celebrated Mass with us, allowing us to honour our Mothers.

YEAR 7 REFLECTION DAY 2025 – “Come and See!”

Last week, our Year 7 students took part in a powerful and uplifting Reflection Day themed “Come and See”, based on John 1:38-39. Led by the Year 10 leaders and the CYP Team, the day was filled with prayer, worship, fun activities, deep conversations, and personal reflection. From the energetic icebreakers and the “Who Are You?” group game, to the more contemplative Emmaus Walk and personal reflection time, students were guided on a journey to explore who they are, what they are searching for, and how God is calling them. Themed sessions such as “God Who Wants to Know Us”, “God of Community”, and “God of Adventure” helped students reflect on their identity, the importance of walking with others, and the call to live with purpose and hope.

Throughout the day, Year 7s were invited into moments of honesty, friendship, and encounter with themselves, their peers, and God. Activities like the Snapshot Challenge, Agree/Disagree game, and testimony sharing allowed students to listen, speak, and connect meaningfully. The final prayer and worship session concluded the day with gratitude and encouragement to keep walking in faith. Jesus’ invitation to “Come and See” was not just about one day—it’s a lifelong call to community, growth, and adventure. We’re proud of our students for embracing the day with open hearts and pray that the seeds planted will continue to grow in their journey ahead. Thank you to the CYP team for facilitating the day.

Catholic Mission Conference

St Andrews Students Attend Catholic Mission’s Youth Leaders in Action Event

On Tuesday, 20 May, a group of 10 dedicated students from Years 10 and 12 at St Andrews College attended Youth Leaders in Action, a youth-focused event as part of the Mission: One Heart Many Voices 2025 Conference. This inspiring event took place at St Vincent’s College, Ashfield. Coordinated by Catholic Mission, the event engaged young leaders in powerful conversations and activities centred around pressing global and social issues, including climate justice, truth-telling and reconciliation, interfaith dialogue, and global poverty.

The Youth Leaders in Action event was more than just a workshop—it was a call to action that helped students grow in awareness, faith, and leadership. St Andrews students heard from a dynamic keynote speaker, participated in interactive workshops, and connected with like-minded peers from across the state. With live music, great food, and a vibrant, supportive atmosphere, the event proved to be both memorable and empowering. Our students returned inspired and better equipped to lead with purpose, compassion, and a deepened sense of social responsibility in their communities.

Vinnies Van

Our Vinnies Van volunteers were back out in action this week. Madeline, Freby, Miyaka and Arya from Year 12 joined Miss Tan and Mr Hoare in the opportunity to engage with and provide food and necessities to those who are less fortunate and on the fringes of society. It was an eventful evening, and as is often the case it was so rewarding for the teachers and students. It brings to mind 2 Corinthians 8:9 that, though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Jesus’ poverty brings us spiritual richness, salvation, love, and the promise of eternal life. His sacrifice lifts us up and transforms our lives. Serving the poor is not just an act of charity; it is a participation in Christ’s mission. Just as Jesus gave of himself completely for others, we are invited to give generously of our time, resources, and compassion to those in need. Thank you to our student volunteers for participating in this mission in serving others, allowing us all to draw closer to him who became poor for our sake.

The Mission Team