Holy Week
This week, we have entered Holy Week, one of the most liturgically rich and beautiful periods in the Church’s calendar. Together as a people of faith, we journey in the footsteps of Jesus from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, through the agony of his Passion and death on the Cross, to the joy of his Resurrection three days later.
Jesus’ final days mirror the rhythms of our own lives and our world: moments of triumph, deep suffering and distress, and bursts of joy. In his Palm Sunday homily, Pope Leo XIV invites us to contemplate Christ as the King of Peace:
“We turn our gaze to Jesus, who reveals himself as King of Peace, even as war looms around him. He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence. He offers himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs. He is the light of the world, though darkness is about to engulf the earth. He came to bring life, even as plans unfold to condemn him to death.
King of Peace. Jesus’ desire is to bring the world into the Father’s arms, tearing down every barrier that separates us from God and from our neighbor, for ‘He is our peace’ (Eph 2:14).”
As we continue through this holy time, I encourage all families to connect with their local parish communities and take part in the rich liturgies of Holy Week and Easter. Listed in Parish News are Holy Week timetables of the parishes of Caroline Springs, Kings Park and St Albans/Sydenham.
May the peace and joy of the Risen Lord be with you and your families this Easter Season.
Catholic Education Week
Sunday March 15 to Sunday March 22 we celebrated Catholic Education Week an opportunity for all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate all that is great about Catholic Education. The theme for this year was ‘Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick.’ Sr Lawrence – College Chaplain and Matilda Snooks – Faith and Social Justice Captain share the experience of this wonderful week of celebrations:
We celebrated Catholic Education Week this year from March 16–20, embracing the theme: “Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick.” This week provided a meaningful opportunity for Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne to honour our Catholic identity, the very foundation from which the spirit of our schools springs.
To bring this theme to life, a variety of lunchtime activities were organised each day, inviting students to encounter what it means to walk with Christ.
On Monday, students gathered in the theatre presentation space in the Sacred Heart building to watch an episode of The Chosen, offering a creative glimpse into who Jesus is and what He is like.
Tuesday saw Sr Lawrence lead a St Patrick Quest scavenger hunt across the school, encouraging students to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus like St Patrick.
On Wednesday, the LIHM Sisters facilitated a lively and competitive game of human tic-tac-toe, reminding everyone that when you are aligned with Jesus, you never truly lose.
Thursday brought a sweet highlight, with Mrs Mattar hosting cookie decorating for nearly 200 students. Beyond the treats, students were reminded that loving Jesus nourishes both body and soul, and that life is indeed sweeter with Him in it!
The week concluded with a vibrant Schoolyard Praise-Fest, organised by youth minister Angella Francis. Special guests Vitale Tootoo and Nyan Truong brought incredible energy through music, creating a joyful atmosphere of praise and community.
We also had a video competition for the students on the St Patrick’s prayer – Christ beside me. Congratulations to Sofia Samson who created this beautiful animation!
While the week was filled with engaging activities, our deeper hope is that our students continue to grow in maturity with Christ beside them, walking ever more closely in His footsteps.
Sr Lawrence Nicholas
College Chaplain
Mass of St Patrick and Young Speakers Colloquium
On Friday 20 March, the Executive Student Leadership Team was given the opportunity to represent our college community at the Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral for Schools and the Young Speakers Colloquium.
During the event, we listened to young speakers share their personal faith journeys, including reflections from students who had travelled to places such as Rome and England through MACS. They spoke about how these experiences shaped their understanding of faith and strengthened their relationship with God, offering meaningful perspectives that encouraged reflection.
The day also focused on themes such as gratitude and resilience. Through the speakers’ stories, we were encouraged to consider how we can live out our faith in everyday life and demonstrate leadership through our actions and values.
With over 180 primary and secondary schools in attendance, the event brought together a wide range of students and created a strong sense of community. Overall, it was a valuable experience that allowed us to learn from others, reflect on our own beliefs, and continue developing as leaders within our College.
Matilda Snooks
Faith and Social Justice Captain
Year 8 Service Learning
On Thursday 26 March, four Year 8 students were accompanied by Ms Petrelli and Ms Giang to volunteer at Caesia Gardens Retirement Village to build bridges across generations as part of our Year 8 Service Learning Program. There were three residents that participated in the program for our first session.
Over a warm cuppa, we shared stories and advice, with one standout question: “What is the best advice you have received?” Responses like:
“Do your work and do it well, and you will earn the respect of others” and “Treat others with kindness and the world will be a better place”
Meaningful conversations were had, as well as many laughs. Students said they would take Taylor Swift to lunch while a touching moment came when one resident wished to share a meal with her late husband.
Residents spoke proudly of their achievements, including leadership roles as the first female president of a community group in Footscray and an enriching volunteering experience at Scienceworks. To wrap up the session, we played human bingo, won by our students who shared in their chocolate prizes.
A sudden downpour soaked us on our walk back to school, washing away the notes we had written but not the memories we made. We look forward to future sessions and ask for the support of our Year 8 families in encouraging students to participate in the Service Learning Program, so that together we may truly live out our motto: Live Fully, Act Justly.
The spirit of service continued the following day. On Friday 27 March, three Year 8 students volunteered to help make Palm Sunday crosses for St Catherine of Sienna Parish. Working alongside staff and supported by earlier contributions from Ms Giang’s Year 9 RE students helped create approximately 70 crosses. It was a meaningful act of service to the parish community, enriching their Palm Sunday celebrations.
Annette Giang
Service Learning Coordinator
Campus Ministry Excursions: ACYF Reunion and Encounter Night
Last week students had the privilege of attending two campus ministry excursions: ACYF (Australian Catholic Youth Festival) Reunion at the Catholic Leadership Centre and Encounter Night at St Anthony’s in Melton South.
ACYF Reunion - 26 March 2026
Judith Joju, Rosalia Cajucom, and Land Aoloo, accompanied by last year’s Jubilee Ambassador, Leah Madigan, and our Youth Minister, Angella Francis gathered with around 100 students from various schools. Led by the Passionists Retreat Team and Youth Mission Team, students shared both the joys and challenges of living out their faith since ACYF. They explored how authentic relationships were the key for sharing God’s love and concluded by making practical commitments to grow in their relationship with Christ and one another.
Rosalia reflected: “the day opened my eyes to the faith journey of others. Something that personally impacted me was hearing a student share how they struggled with implementing the experience of ACYF into their life, I found myself relating to that. “My faith is the source, and the world is my canvas” was a powerful comment made by another student, and it spoke to me because our faith in Jesus is our motivation to want to bring others to him. I made a commitment to finding a local youth group where I can openly express my faith.”
The vulnerability and openness of the day had a profound impact. Staff and students were inspired by the powerful testimonies, and all committed to deepening their relationship with Jesus and each other more fervently.
Encounter Night - 27 March 2026
21 students from our college joined approximately 100 students from across Melbourne at St Anthony’s in Melton South for a joyful evening together. After sharing dinner, CRCCS students brought great energy, immersing themselves in fun games and even starting a dance battle.
Students then listened to a powerful testimony about God’s love and had the opportunity to discuss with new peers what it means to experience that love in their own lives.
A student shared, “Time with new friends, the chats, and the games were a lot of fun. I liked the discussions because I heard that other people felt the same way as I did about experiencing God’s love.”
Students were then led into the church for a time of Adoration, with the Sacrament of Confession available. This was a highlight of the evening for many, as they spent quiet time with Jesus. One student described the music as feeling “like there was an angel in their ear.” Most beautifully, a Year 7 student shared, “During Adoration, I could talk directly to God without having to explain that to others, it helped me feel closer to Jesus.”
This evening was a precious opportunity to spend time with our Lord before Easter and to create meaningful memories with both old and new friends. Students are already eagerly looking forward to the next Encounter Night.
Angella Francis
Youth Minister