Lent and Ash Wednesday
Next Wednesday, 18 February, we begin the sacred season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Our College community will come together for a Liturgy, led by Deacon Chris and our student leaders, to mark this important moment in our faith journey.
Lent mirrors Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, a time of preparation, reflection and renewal as we journey toward the joy of Easter. It invites us to slow down, refocus our hearts, and grow closer to God through three simple but powerful practices:
Prayer – Making time to talk with God each day, perhaps through a short family prayer or grace before meals.
Fasting– Letting go of small comforts, like extra snacks or screen time, to strengthen our spirit and self-discipline.
Almsgiving – Sharing generously with those in need.
As Pope Francis reminds us, "Lent is a good time to recover the joy and hope that make us feel like beloved sons and daughters of the Father." It is a time to reset, to forgive, and to love more deeply just as Christ loves us.
At school, students and staff are encouraged to attend Friday 8:00am Mass, participate in Lenten activities and engage in service-learning opportunities (Year 8 students only). At home, Lent might be lived through meatless Fridays, praying the Rosary as a family or simple acts of kindness offered with love.
Below is a link to resources to support you and your family as we journey together toward Easter, growing closer to Christ this Lenten season 2026 Catholic Lent Resources
Year 7 Thanksgiving Welcome Mass
Our College community recently gathered to celebrate the Year 7 Welcome Thanksgiving Mass, a meaningful occasion marking the beginning of our newest students’ journey at CRC, shared with their parents and families.
Beginning the year with the celebration of the Eucharist was particularly significant, as it lies at the heart of our Catholic faith. Through the Eucharist, Christ strengthens and sustains us, calling us to live out our College Motto, Live Fully, Act Justly. To live fully is to deepen our relationship with Christ, while to act justly is to respond to others with love, compassion, and a commitment to justice.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr John Vespa, Assistant Parish Priest at St Catherine of Siena Parish, Caroline Springs. In his homily, Fr Vespa encouraged our Year 7 students to form positive friendships, embrace new opportunities, respect their teachers, and grow closer to God, reminding them that it is through our relationship with God, our Creator, that we are able to grow and flourish as individuals.
Our Year 7 students have already made a strong and positive impression, with their enthusiasm and spirit clearly evident, particularly through their willingness to serve and minister during the Mass.
We sincerely thank the parents and families who joined us for this celebration and for their ongoing support of our College community.
As the academic year unfolds, we look forward to many opportunities for our students to grow in faith, learning, and character as they continue to build strong foundations throughout Year 7.
Opening College Mass
On Tuesday, 3 February, our College community gathered in prayer to mark the beginning of the new scholastic year with our Opening College Mass, celebrated on the Memorial of St Blaise.
The Mass was presided over by Fr John Vespa, Assistant Parish Priest at St Catherine of Siena Parish, Caroline Springs. In his homily, Fr Vespa drew upon the life and witness of St Blaise patron saint of the throat and a reminder of the power of the human voice. He challenged our community to reflect on how we use our voices each day, through words of encouragement, truth, and kindness. Fr Vespa emphasised that our words and choices have a lasting impact on those around us and can either build up or diminish the community we share.
Celebrating our Opening College Mass on the Memorial of St Blaise provided a wonderful opportunity to entrust the year ahead to God, asking for His protection, guidance, and blessing upon all members of our College community.
Following the celebration of the Mass, Fr Vespa generously made himself available to staff and students to receive the traditional Blessing of the Throats, a practice associated with the feast of St Blaise and a sign of God’s protection and care.
As we journey through the year, may we continue to seek God’s blessings and strive to use our voices and actions in ways that allow us to Live Fully Act Justly in all we do.
Invitation to attend Friday 8am Mass
I invite you to join us for our Friday 8:00am Mass, celebrated each week of the school term at St Catherine of Siena Parish Church, Caroline Springs. Mass concludes at 8:25am, allowing students ample time to prepare for the school day.
We are truly blessed to have our Parish Church located on College grounds more importantly, a sacred place where God dwells among us. Participation in Holy Mass is central to our faith, nurturing our relationship with God as we listen to His Word and are strengthened by the Holy Eucharist. It is a sacred moment where heaven and earth meet.
We would be delighted to welcome you and your family and we encourage you to support your sons and daughters in considering Friday Mass as a meaningful part of their ongoing faith journey.
Students also have the opportunity to sign up to read during Mass via notice on SEQTA, with the option of nominating a family member to read alongside them.
We hope to see you there.