This year marks a special occasion in the Catholic Church—the Jubilee Year, a time of renewal and celebration. The theme for this Holy Year, 'Pilgrims of Hope', calls all Catholics to deepen their faith, embrace compassion, and journey together in unity. Celebrated every 25 years, it is a time when the Church invites the faithful to seek spiritual renewal and actively engage in works of justice and service.
Pope Francis has emphasized the Jubilee as a moment to rediscover the power of hope in a world facing many challenges. Central to this celebration is the practice of pilgrimage—both physical and spiritual. Many will travel to Rome to pass through the Holy Doors of major basilicas, a symbolic act of entering deeper into God’s grace. Yet, we are all called to embark on an inner pilgrimage, growing in faith and extending kindness to those in need.
As a Catholic school community, this Jubilee Year presents a unique opportunity to live out our values of faith, learning, and service. Throughout the year, we will be engaging in reflections, prayer services, and acts of service that embody the spirit of hope and renewal. Students will be encouraged to take part in activities that deepen their understanding of mercy and justice, fostering a stronger sense of connection with our wider Church community. Let us walk together as Pilgrims of Hope.
Our school's fundraising efforts this year will be dedicated to supporting The Good Samaritan Inn. The Good Samaritan Inn provides safe, emergency accommodation and support for women, children, and gender-diverse people escaping family violence or homelessness. Their mission is deeply connected to our own mission of offering hospitality, dignity, and hope to those in need. We know there is lots of evidence that highlights the disproportionate impact Family Violence has on women, children, and gender-diverse people, making the work of The Good Samaritan Inn even more critical. When we invest in supporting gender equality, we can contribute to breaking the cycles of violence and injustice, offering individuals a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and empowerment.
Given the Good Samaritan Inn’s empowerment model, the focus of our campaign is ‘Embrace EmPOWERment,’ focusing on supporting individuals seeking refuge by contributing to the cost of essential utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. By helping to cover these basic expenses, we aim to alleviate financial stress and provide a stable living environment for those in need.
On Friday 21 March, some of our Year 12 Prefects attended mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in celebration of Catholic Education Week. This annual event is held to promote the unique mission of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day. Following the Mass, MACS hosted a Young Speakers Colloquium where they heard from young panellists from schools across the archdiocese. Students concluded the day exploring the inspiring creative endeavours of students from Catholic schools across Melbourne at the Annual Creative Arts Exhibition.
Catholic Education Week is a time of reflection, celebration, and gratitude as we acknowledge the vital role of Catholic education in shaping young minds and hearts. This year’s theme, "Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you" (Is 60:1), draws inspiration from the motto of the Holy Year, the Year of Jubilee, and the Australian Catholic Youth Festival’s theme – 'Pilgrims of Hope'. It invites us to embrace our faith with joy, courage, and a renewed sense of mission. We look forward to sharing this meaningful week with our school community and celebrating the unique and transformative power of Catholic education!
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