Assistant Principal - Mission
The Fourth Sunday of Lent
This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday. It’s a moment of joyful anticipation in the midst of our Lenten journey, a pause to refresh our spirits as we draw closer to the glory of Easter. The word "Laetare" means "Rejoice!" and the readings for this Sunday invite us to do just that.
This year, our Gospel reading comes from Luke 15, the beautiful and profoundly moving parable of the Prodigal Son (or, perhaps more accurately, the Loving Father). It’s a story we know well, but one that always offers new insights and reflections.
A Story of Love and Mercy
We encounter a young man who, driven by selfishness and foolishness, demands his inheritance and leaves his father’s home. He squanders everything, ending up in a state of utter destitution. In his despair, he remembers his father's kindness and decides to return, hoping to be accepted as a servant.
But the father, who has been watching and waiting, sees his son from afar and runs to embrace him. He doesn't wait for apologies or explanations; he simply welcomes his son home with open arms, celebrating his return with a feast.
More Than Just a Story
This parable is more than just a heartwarming tale. It's a powerful illustration of God's boundless love and mercy.
- The Father's Love: God, like the father in the parable, is always waiting for us to return to Him. He sees our struggles and our failings, but His love remains unwavering.
- Our Return: Like the prodigal son, we all stray from God at times. Lent is a time for us to reflect on our own journeys and to turn back to God with sincere repentance.
- God's Forgiveness: God’s forgiveness is not conditional. He doesn't hold our past mistakes against us. He welcomes us back with joy and celebration.
- The Older Son: The older son, who resents his brother’s return, reminds us of the importance of compassion and forgiveness. It is a reminder that we are called to rejoice in the return of our brothers and sisters to the fold.
- No matter what we do in life, nothing can touch our goodness. “God is too busy loving us to have any time to judge us” (Fr Gregory Boyle SJ).
Laetare Sunday and Our Lenten Journey
Laetare Sunday, with its emphasis on joy and reconciliation, serves as a reminder that Lent is not just about penance and sacrifice. It’s also about hope and the promise of new life. The story of the prodigal son reminds us that no matter how far we stray, God's love is always there, waiting to welcome us home.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us take this message to heart. Let us open our hearts to God's mercy and extend that same mercy to others. May we all experience the joy of returning to our Heavenly Father and the warmth of His loving embrace.
Let us rejoice!
Transitus
This week, Mrs Fiona Jensen took 20 Year 7 students away to Transitus. This retreat is organised by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office and facilitated by our very own Deacon Shane Hyland. It was a prayerful and fun-filled experience where Year 7 students from across the Diocese could reflect on their relationship with Jesus Christ. Students explored their faith through games and small group sharing. We thank our two staff members for giving up time with their families to support our students on their faith journey.
Mrs Jensen even had to sacrifice her normal daily coffee and go for good old Nescafe instant! Does this count as Fasting?
Lead
Last week, 19 senior students embarked on the transformative LEAD retreat, accompanied by Deacon Shane Hyland, Mr George McLeod, and Mrs Anne Twomey. This two-day Catholic leadership event, inspired by Pope Francis' Christus Vivit, aimed to equip students for ministry leadership.
LEAD focused on empowering students to recognise their inherent goodness, God's unconditional love, and their calling to a deeper communion with Him. The retreat emphasised that they are "created for more," destined to live in the freedom, joy, and peace of Jesus. Students were challenged to become the "light of the world" within their schools and communities, empowered for mission through connection, commitment, and courage.
The retreat's vision is to instil in each student the understanding that they are good, loved, and created for a purpose. Post-retreat, the hope is that students will return to their communities, ready to serve through Senior Ministry Teams, social justice initiatives, and parish activities. A follow-up gathering is planned to reinforce the retreat’s impact and encourage continued engagement in Youth Ministry.
Among the many highlights was our own alum Jacob Somers, who is now the College Youth Ministry at St John Paul II College in Coffs Harbour, giving a testimony about his own faith journey.
We are blessed to have students and staff members in our College community who are willing to answer the call to serve others and to accompany others on their faith journey. We look forward to seeing the fruits of this faith-filled experience.















Save the Date - College Mass - Wednesday, 9th April
In Week 10 on Wednesday, we are celebrating Mass in the Hall from 9:10. We extend a warm welcome to families in our College community to share in this special event with us. As we are on the downhill run in Lent, journeying to the Resurrection of Christ at Easter, this could be a wonderful opportunity to engage in prayer with us. Prayer is one of the three pillars of Lent.
ANZAC March Community Marches and Ceremonies 2025
On Thursday 10th April, we will hold our College’s Anzac Day commemoration. We hold this special event on this, the last day of the term for students as a precursor to the community commemorations. We have a tradition at the College where we support three local community Commemorations. We typically have outstanding attendance from our students.
ANZAC Day (25th April) is the last Friday of the upcoming holidays.
The three marches and meeting places for our students are as follows:
- Port Macquarie - Thai House Restaurant (formerly Thai Tastic), corner Horton and William Streets 9:30 am
- Wauchope - RSL Club, Young Street at 10:15 am
- Laurieton - United Services Club, Seymour Street at 10:00 am
Dress - Please note that students are asked to wear their full "white" uniform and bring their College hat or cap. Shirts should be tucked for this occasion. Senior students are to wear the College tie. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle on the day. We ask that students remain for the duration of the ceremony.
If your child is able to join one of our school groups at one of the three venues, please complete this Google Form.
Easter Egg Raffle supported by students in FLINDERS and INNES
We are approaching the most egg-celent, most egg-citing day of the year. The Easter Egg Raffle will be drawn in week 10; the last day of this school term! This year, the raffle is being supported by Flinders and Innes houses, although all others are welcome to contribute to the prizes.
We still need more donations of chocolate eggs, bunnies and other Easter treats we can collect to make this year's raffle the best ever. Donations can be handed into the Flinders and Innes Leaders of Student Wellbeing
Tickets for the raffle are now on sale each day, outside the canteen. Tickets are 50c each or 3 for $1.
Please support Project Compassion and our fundraising efforts for Caritas Australia by donating eggs and buying tickets.
Easter Mass Times
St Agnes' Church Gospel Reflections
Fr Paul Gooley is continuing to provide Gospel readings and reflections via email and online Monday to Saturday for those interested in connecting with their faith in this way.
Click to watch Fr Paul's Gospel Readings and Reflections.
St Agnes' Parish News Bulletin
The Parish news bulletin will now be published monthly.
The latest edition is available via this link Parish News Bulletin
Mr Matthew Bushe
Assistant Principal - Mission