As we approach the end of another rich and faith-filled year, we take this opportunity to reflect on the moments that have shaped our spiritual journey as a community. From prayer and liturgy to service and formation, our College continues to live out the Josephite spirit of faith, courage, and compassion.
Father’s Day Mass 5 September
Our College community gathered to celebrate our Father’s Day Mass, celebrated by Fr Sam Pearson early on Friday 5 September. It was a joyful occasion to give thanks for the fathers and father figures in our lives, and to pray for continued blessing upon them and their families.
New Zealand AJASS Josephite Pilgrimage 2 - 5 September
Earlier this term, Ms Abboud and Mr Iannuzzi accompanied four students, Millie, Summer, Sebastian, and Joshua on the 2025 AJASS Josephite Pilgrimage to New Zealand, walking in the footsteps of St Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods.
The pilgrimage offered a profound opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Josephite charism and strengthen our connection to the wider Josephite community across Australia and New Zealand. Pilgrims from Penola Catholic College joined students and staff from schools across Tasmania and Victoria to explore the legacy of the Josephites abroad.
The journey began in Christchurch, where the group was warmly welcomed at Marian College with a mihi whakatau (traditional Māori welcome) and commissioning liturgy in the Mary MacKillop Chapel. From there, the pilgrimage travelled south through Temuka, Timaru, and Queenstown, visiting significant Josephite sites associated with St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her missionary work in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Highlights included celebrating Mass at St Mary MacKillop Church in Temuka, visits to Roncalli College and the MacKillop Centre, and time spent at Mary MacKillop’s Cottage and St Patrick’s Church in historic Arrowtown. Along the way, pilgrims were warmly hosted by Josephite schools and communities, sharing prayer, reflection, and fellowship that brought Mary’s spirit of service to life.
It was a moving and memorable experience that strengthened bonds across our Josephite schools and reminded all involved of Mary’s enduring message:
“Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Year 12 Final Liturgy & Flag Signing Monday 8 September
The Year 12 Final Liturgy was a moving and memorable celebration, marking the conclusion of our senior students’ Penola journey. Year 12 classes went to the St Joseph chapel and participated in a short para-liturgy bringing an end to their formal education at Penola.
Following the liturgy, students took part in the traditional flag signing ceremony, leaving their mark as a lasting symbol of belonging to the Penola family. The 2025 flag that is set up outside Mannes House during the Year 12 exam period.
Year 10 Reflection Days 9 - 10 September
Held at St George Chaldean Catholic Parish, Campbellfield, and facilitated by Chris Doyle, our Year 10 Reflection Days invited students to reflect on faith, purpose, and the people who inspire them. Through music, storytelling, and prayer, students were encouraged to consider how they might use their gifts to serve others.
Faith Life at Penola
Throughout Term 3, Fr Sam Pearson continued his regular Friday lunchtime visits to our Senior campus, spending time in prayer and conversation with students.
He also visited the Junior campus, where he and the Faith and Mission Team consolidated instruction on the Rosary.
Staff at the junior campus have shown incredible dedication in promoting and praying the Rosary each Wednesday at lunchtime, creating a beautiful rhythm of communal prayer for our younger students.
The Faith Corner Youth Group continues to meet every Monday lunchtime, providing a welcoming space for students to explore questions of faith and discuss how Catholic teaching can be lived in everyday life.
Year 11 students completed their Christian Services program throughout Term 3, with most students volunteering a day of their time to an organisation of need. All students should be commended for their work throughout the term as you have added to the lives of the people that these social justice organisations work with. Some students were nominated especially for their contributions and impact for their service. They have received a certificate and gift from the following organisations:
- Riding for the Disabled: Frans M
- Jacana School of Autism: Lachlan H
- Jacana School of Autism: Kosta L
- St Vinnie’s, Campbellfield: Patrick M
- St Vinnie’s, Campbellfield: Aleks T
- Collingwood English Language School: Isabella M
- Broadmeadows Special Development School: Lyla M
- St Vinnie’s Broadmeadows: Michael S
- St Vinnie’s Broadmeadows: Jhayla D
Preparations are also well underway for our College pilgrimage to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF), taking place in November and December. This event will bring together thousands of young people from across the nation to celebrate and deepen their faith.
Josephite Exchange Program: On 21 August Fr Aurelio Fragapane visited the Senior campus to celebrate Mass with students participating in the Josephite Exchange Program. It was a joyful reminder of the enduring spirit of St Mary MacKillop in our community life.
Our Graduation Mass was celebrated on Tuesday 21 October at Our Lady Guardian of the Plants Chaldean Catholic Parish. Fr Dishan Candappa was the main celebrant, joined by Fr Mahir Murad as concelebrant. The celebration was a beautiful farewell to our graduating students and their families.
In October, Fr Mahir Murad, Sub-deacon Dominic, and former student (2024) Julian Paul visited the College to lead our community in the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Following prayer, they offered an inspiring talk on “Prayer and God in the Lives of Youth,” which resonated deeply with students and staff alike.
As we continue to journey through the Year of Jubilee, the Faith and Mission Team is preparing for our upcoming Jubilee Mercy Night on Wednesday 19 November, a sacred evening of prayer, reflection, and reconciliation.
Finally, through every liturgy, reflection, and act of service, our community continues to grow in faith, hope, and love. We give thanks for the students, staff, clergy, and families who bring the Gospel to life each day at Penola. May we continue to live with the spirit of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, trusting in God and doing good in all things.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.
St Joseph, pray for us
And may we always remember, to pray for one another.
