Faith

We seek to develop in our students a personal and active faith relationship with Jesus Christ, inspired by the example of St Francis and our Franciscan heritage.

The College offers rich and engaging experiences to open our young women to the presence of Jesus in their lives, through the Religious Education curriculum, liturgies and Refection Days.

At every Year Level, our students have opportunities to support and participate in social justice action. This is integrated in the Religious Education curriculum through Years 7 to 12 and is also part of co-curricular activities.

We encourage and support student-led initiatives and campaigns.  Each Year Level has a social justice focus, for which students take local and global action to improve the lives of others in meaningful ways.

This begs the question: what is my response? Since God is present/active in the love of our relationships, one response I can make is to build and maintain good relationships with everyone. Another question to ponder: how am I going to use my gifts to lift up those in need? What great things am I doing for others?

2022 College Theme

‘For it is in giving that we receive’ St Francis of Assisi

This quote from the Peace Prayer speaks to the heart of the life and ministry of St Francis of Assisi. Francis turned his back on the wealth into which he was born, instead following the Gospel and helping all in need. This was seen especially in his work with lepers and all those on the margins of society. Francis continually gave of himself to his brothers and those around him, doing so with joy.

Francis wished to always live the Gospel, such as: ‘give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back’ (Luke 6:38). Another word for giving is love. To give of yourself out of love means what you receive is, little by little, more closely resembling God who is love – to become who you are meant to be.

In the same way we are all called to give of ourselves, each day of our lives. Giving others our time, our skills, our talents, a listening ear, our friendship. It is not about the material things. It is about giving of ourselves. The selfless gift is an important part of being human and helps to enrich the lives of others. This has never been so important as it is today.

As Francis found, the rewards are significant. Like the smile on the person’s face from your kind word at the right time or when you have spent a long time trying to find the right gift for a special person’s birthday. What God teaches us through St Francis is that each of us are a gift for others – a gift to be given.

Faith In Action

Ave Maria College enjoys a sister relationship with St Maria Mazzarello School in Venilale.

Since 2014, the College has undertaken various fundraisers for the school which includes the annual Mission Action Day and one other major annual fundraiser event.