Missions and Outreach

WINTER SLEEP OUT

Early this term we held our Annual Winter Sleep Out supporting the work of the "St Vincent de Paul Society" and "We Are Community".  Both organisations work to support those in our local community who are experiencing homelessness. Our Sleep Out program focused in particular on those who are experiencing homelessness as a result of domestic or family violence. Students and staff learnt much about this important issue and how as a community we can support those facing these circumstances. In particular our Winter Appeal was launched where, led by the Justice and Mercy Councillors, the College Community was encouraged to work together to put together emergency care packs to support those fleeing family violence. The packs are aimed at restoring and maintaining the dignity of those in crisis. A massive thank you to all the staff that made this event possible. A special thanks to the Justice & Mercy Councillors - Hayley, Emily and Charlize for their efforts in bringing this event together.

WINTER APPEAL

The Winter Appeal has seen the community come together to collect donations of toiletries in order to put together emergency care packs for those experiencing homelessness and domestic or family violence. So far the College has collected enough donations to put together over 100 emergency care packs for our local community. An amazing effort! Thank you again to all the families, students and staff who have contributed donations and raised awareness of those in crisis in our community. These donations will make a huge difference in the lives of  many in our local community. The Appeal will wrap up on Tuesday of Week 10.

CEDOW SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY

Last week, four Year 10 Students: Olivia, Molly, Chloe and Ben, travelled to Corpus Christi High School with Mr Collins for the annual CEDOW Social Justice Day. The students worked with Year 10 students from across the Diocese to unpack the Australian Catholic Bishops Social Justice Statement for 2022 - 2023. The Statement shines a light on the impact and trauma associated with Domestic and Family Violence and calls on everyone to work for Respectful Relationships in all areas of society. Through the witness and experience of extraordinary guest speakers and open and honest dialogue students were able to see how conversations, attitudes and actions can help shape Respectful Positive Relationships, even in our own College Community. These students will have more to share on this important issue with the College Community in the future.   

Youth Ministry

LIVE FESTIVAL

Each year, Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong (CYMW) holds a LIVE festival in which young people from schools around the Diocese can come together and celebrate their faith in a festival experience. This year, the festival was held in Wollongong from 10am-8pm and a group of Magdalene students had the opportunity to attend the event, consisting of singing, praying, games, inflatable obstacle courses, workshops, food and so many opportunities to enhance our connection with God in a fun manner. Students were provided the opportunity to meet religious leaders including the Bishop, learn about vocations in life, undertake reconciliation, talk with others and connect to genuine people within the diocese. Students had a great time and gained much from the experience. A special thanks to the teachers who supported the Magdalene Students who attended - Ms Barrilario, Ms Boughton, Ms Labour, Mr Sligar and Mr Collins.

ACTIVATE

On Friday the 9th of September, a group of student Youth Ministry Leaders went to St Paul's Catholic Primary school in Moss Vale to support the Primary School Activate Fire day for Southern Highlands Catholic Primary Schools. The Year 6 students participated in a range of activities and were supported by the Magdalene Students, who led them through the activities designed to strengthen their faith. We had an enjoyable time listening to stories, praying, singing, and playing together with the Primary School students from St Paul’s, St Anthony’s, St Thomas Aquinas and St Michael’s. We had the opportunity to lead students in small group activities as role models and to teach them about their upcoming Sacrament of Confirmation.