Year 12 Student Leaders who attended the Local World Youth Day and Leaders’ Commissioning Mass.
On Sunday 24th November, the Solemnity of Christ the King, Ms Grigson, Assistant Principal and Ms Banks, Director of Catholic Identity and Mission, accompanied the Year 12 Student Leaders to the Local World Youth Day and Leaders’ Commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
Mass was concelebrated by the Very Rev Peter Willliams AM VG and Rev John Paul Escarlan.
The Year 12 Student Leaders were commissioned with their peers from other schools in the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta in the presence of their families and the parishioners from St Patrick’s Cathedral. In the words of the blessing prayer, Fr Peter prayed, May they remain faithful servants to you. This understanding of leadership greatly contrasts with the leadership which is practised by many political leaders. The Gospel Reading for the Solemnity of Christ the King is Jesus’ encounter with Pontius Pilate who is questioning Jesus about his claim to kingship (John 18:33-37).
Jesus tells Pilate
I came into the world … to bear witness to the truth.
In his homily, Fr Peter spoke about the great need for leaders to be effective instruments of peace, justice and love. Fr Peter did acknowledge that it can be challenging. Just as Jesus was challenged by members of his society, so too do we face challenges.
Whatever difficulties we may face, here at Catherine McAuley Westmead, we always Strive for Higher Things.
Genevieve Banks | Director of Catholic Identity and Mission
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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