Opening School Mass

Our annual opening Mass was celebrated on 21 February, again led by Fr Tony Doran, our custodian of mission, with a prayerful celebration to begin our year. Fr Tony asked our community to reflect on the presence of the Holy Spirit who is our source of inspiration as we endeavour to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Once again, our new Year 12 captains were involved in the procession of symbols, the readings and prayers of the faithful. The College choir led by Sophie Maclure were outstanding leading the singing, continuing the strong student involvement in the preparation and celebration of liturgy at Ave Maria College.

Holy Week Liturgy

In preparation for Easter, the College celebrated our Holy Week liturgy on 27 March. Our Franciscan leaders prepared and led the liturgy, which focused on five key moments from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Scripture and reflective readings were used as we recalled the last supper, the arrest of Jesus, the denial of Peter, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. The College choir greatly assisted in helping our community prayerfully reflect on the meaning of Holy Week. Our Franciscan leaders should be congratulated as they put in so much work to provide as all with the opportunity to ponder the meaning of Easter.

Easter Reflection

During our Holy Week liturgy, we heard a reflection from Sr. Monica Cavanagh, modified for our community.

Called to be an Easter people of Hope.

The Easter event transforms Jesus into a new being and calls us to do the same. The early disciples’ lives changed forever as they encountered the Risen Christ. They changed from being fearful to being courageous as their consciousness of Love impelled them to continue the mission entrusted to them.

As we celebrate Easter this year, our call is to be people of hope. To be people who let the light of the Easter candle burn brightly within so that others may share in the reassurance of what the Easter message offers. Even amidst the atrocities coming out of the fighting in Gaza and Ukraine, we see glimmers of hope and life. We see people reaching out and welcoming people to their homes, providing food, clothes, and comfort, playing music, and bringing moments of joy. Easter reveals God’s desire to transform our doubts, our worries, and fears into experiences of new life. Where do you see the seeds of new life emerging in our world and at Ave today? How can we be bearers of hope?

Called to be an Easter people of hope - a reflection — Catholic Religious Australia