Our St Patrick’s community was honoured and blessed to have had the Most Reverend Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong, as the principal celebrant of the Mass. We were also blessed with the presence of Fr Feleki, Assistant Priest at St John the Evangelist Parish Campbelltown, who concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Brian.

During his homily, Bishop Brian emphasised that we all possess God-given giftedness. He also spoke about the work of the Holy Spirit in leading us to know our gifts and how to share them with the world. This related to the gospel reading used in our Mass of Thanksgiving for the Graduating Class of 2022. “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14-16) , the gospel proclaims, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Later in the Mass, Grace K, College Vice Captain as Benedict Leader, offered her reflections on the Scripture readings. In reference to the gospel reading, Grace commented that, “Though I may often underestimate the impact I can have on the world, I can confidently say that, when I share my gifts with others, I am changing the world. As mentioned in today’s gospel reading, after lighting a lamp, you put it on a lampstand and it will light the whole house.”

During the Mass, the Year 12 Class of 2022 also recited a Life Pledge, part of which states that “life is no brief candle to me; it is a sort of splendid torch which I hold for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” The Year 12 Graduating Class of 2022 certainly is brim with giftedness and they display a willingness and a joy in wanting to use their gifts in the service of others.

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator