The Feast of St Patrick aptly initiated Catholic Education Week, with the theme “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). For this special week, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools celebrated their Catholic identity. What a beautiful way to let this light shine!

Our Campus Ministry duo, Youth Minister Miss Angella Francis and College Chaplain Sr Lawrence Nicolas, organised a series of events to help students deepen their immersion in our Catholic faith and mission.

Highlights of the week included a Saints’ Scavenger Hunt, which honoured the significant people our school buildings are named after, as well as a visit from a Franciscan Capuchin friar, Fr Christopher Maher. The week concluded with live music led by the Gen Bryant Team, featuring a special opening performance by our own students from the Adoration Club, nicknamed YMB (Youth Ministry Band). A banner-making competition was also held, with the prize awarded to Year 7 student Maxine Louise Cruz.

As we continue this Year of Jubilee, may the light of Christ within us remain a powerful witness in our school community as we journey together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’

Below are some testimonials from our students about Catholic Education Week:

This week is the week I've been looking forward to!! As a member of YMB (Youth Ministry Band) I was so excited for our members to show case our talents to the school. We were also excited to meet the wonderful band Gen Bryant band! It was a great time, hope we can see more next year!
~ Augustine Caballes 8 Wonga

I loved Catholic Education Week, meeting a Franciscan Friar and especially the Concert with the Adoration club performance and my favourite the guest band! They really made us feel apart of the songs they were singing and the original ones too! It was a great way to embrace faith and it was also really fun.
~ Bradley Vincent 8 Barak

During Catholic Education Week, I participated in 4 events. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and the Friday one too! It was nice getting to see the series ‘The Chosen’ for the first time. Going to the church every Wednesday at lunchtime made me feel closer to God. I loved how each event was organised neatly and also loved how lots of people joined in for day to day. I got to make new friends, even with the younger people. Catholic Education Week made me happy, I want to have it again!!
~ Vanessa Jahola 9 Barak

I really enjoyed it, there were many activities to do and lots of people got involved, I had fun and learnt new things. My favourite was the live concert - I was singing for YMB (Youth Ministry Band) and after that I got to watch the concert where we welcomed a special guest band. There was also the 'meet a monk' session in that week which I also enjoyed. I got to learn things I didn't know before.
~ Rosalia Cajucom 9 Wurundjeri

I enjoyed Catholic Education Week because I was able to learn about God and I got to spend time with the LIHM Sisters and hang out with other people. I was able to watch ‘The Chosen ‘which related back to the Bible and made me remember how amazing Jesus is. I also enjoyed the going to the Church on Wednesday because I got to participate in activities related to God.
~ Christiano Gjeloshi Year 8 Wonga

During Catholic Education Week, I had lots of fun experiencing new things and learning all about different saints. I loved doing all of the activities as a social group and I really enjoyed spending it with the people I love and cherish. I liked how there were multiple activities that were optional if you wanted to go or not and it was a fun way to meet new people who have similar interests. But it was a fun time, and I hope to participate in upcoming years.
~ Alannah Vo Doan Year 8 Barak