SHARING OUR FAITH

EX-STUDENTS' UNION MOTHER DAUGHTER MASS

Over 900 students and ex-students of all generations joined us for our Ex-Students' Union Mother Daughter Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral - a record attendance for Loreto Kirribilli. Our choir delighted the congregation with the most beautiful music filling the cathedral space, deepening the prayerful experience for all.

200 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA

A music-filled mass at St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney was held to mark 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. Students from Junior School and Senior School joined representatives from each of the 17 schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney. Educators and dignitaries from all walks of life attended the nationwide celebration, to thank God and acknowledge the contribution Catholic education has made in the building of Australia as a progressive nation.

OUR JUNIOR ALTAR SERVERS

At a Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, celebrated by Fr Ross Jones SJ, we formally inducted and blessed our Junior School Altar Servers, committed to serve the Loreto community at our Liturgies.

Sharing our Faith

JUNIOR SCHOOL MOTHERS’ DAY LITURGY

The Junior School Mothers' Day Liturgy was a wonderful celebration of motherhood. Every seat was filled in Centenary Hall for heartfelt prayers and beautiful music.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Our Years 2 and 3 girls received the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our School Chapel, in a wonderful celebration with parents presenting their daughters at the altar of sacramental forgiveness. Fr Ross Jones SJ from St Aloysius’ College and Fr Ramesh Richards SJ Director of Cardoner House, Broadway joined us in this celebration, sharing poignant reflections on the parable of the Prodigal Son, reinforcing that there is no limit to God’s patience and generosity.

Sharing Our Faith

farewell sister noni mitchell ibvm am

Sr Noni Mitchell ibvm was a beloved member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary community, former Province Leader, Superior General, ex-student and Principal of Loreto Kirribilli.

Sr Noni was an extraordinary presence throughout her long life. “She was a true Mary Ward woman,” says Wendy Hildebrand ibvm, Province Leader Australia and South East Asia. “She was prepared to blaze new trails in finding creative ways of serving God.”

Born in Belmont, New South Wales on 12 October 1928, Sr Noni attended the three Loreto Schools of Ballarat, Claremont and Coorparoo before completing her education at Loreto Kirribilli. She went on to study Medicine at the University of Sydney, graduating at the age of 22. After her residency, and three years in general practice in rural South Australia, Sr Noni decided to enter religious life. She joined the Loreto Sisters on 13 June 1954, assuming the religious name of John Bosco. She began her teaching career in the junior years at Loreto Normanhurst, teaching many subjects, and eventually becoming Head of Science, teaching full time between Normanhurst and Kirribilli. In 1970 she was appointed to the role of Principal at Loreto Kirribilli, but before long she was seconded to be Principal of Christ College Melbourne, a newlyfounded Catholic teachers' college. Sr Noni was first and foremost a leader - in education, religious life and the Church. She had a considerable impact on education across Australia, involved in the writing of textbooks, developing the Wyndham scheme integrated science syllabus, and serving on many significant state and federal education boards and committees. Her outstanding contribution to education was recognised in 1997 by an honorary doctorate from the Australian Catholic University, and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award from the Commonwealth Government. A long-serving Provincial Leader of Loreto Australia, Sr Noni was also General Superior of the IBVM for two terms in Rome. Her strong views were grounded in theology, educational and social theory, and Ignatian spirituality. She spoke as a woman of conviction. ‘The facts are friendly’ was one of her oft-quoted sayings.

SR DEIRDRE BROWNE IBVM

Sr Deirdre Browne ibvm said in her eulogy, “You truly have been to us a leader beyond compare. Well done, good and faithful friend!”

Colour on Canvas Read Sr Deirdre Browne's eulogy for Sr Noni here: www.loreto.nsw.edu.au/documents/113/Noni eulolgy by Deidre Browne.pdf

Sharing Our Faith

Helen Thomas | Director of Mission

YEAR 10 EMMAUS SERVICE MINISTRY

Service is intimately linked to the culture of encounter, referred to frequently by Pope Francis. This is the Emmaus experience; seeing Christ in others is a realisation that service is an ‘other-centred’ encounter, whether the ‘other’ is the earth, the elderly, the marginalised or our First Nations' People. Emmaus Service Ministry is engaging the head, heart and hands. Our Year 10 Emmaus Service Ministry Retreat took place in a COVID-safe way this year.

In the week where the Australian Catholic Bishops endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Year 10 had the opportunity to engage with Wandana Aboriginal Education. Beginning with a sweeping ceremony, the girls then participated in painting their own journey stones using Aboriginal symbols, and were also taught a traditional dance. In the afternoon, the girls demonstrated their faith in action as they prepared Birthing Kits, wrapped Christmas hamper gifts and made rosary beads and blankets for Wrap With Love.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

We congratulate and thank the 24 Year 11 students who have volunteered to serve our school community as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. They are called to be servants of Christ and strive to grow in faith and holiness through this sacrament of unity and love. The girls were commissioned during our Friday morning Liturgies in November.

YEAR 11 REFLECTION DAY

Our Year 11 students had the opportunity to engage in a Reflection Day in preparation for their Year 12 retreat in 2022. The day was filled with fun, prayer, reflection and sharing, with the focus of the day being Dadirri, which means 'deep listening'. The Reflection Day was God’s time or ‘Kairos time’ - an opportunity to reflect on relationships with others, ourselves and God. It is a time to become aware of our present surroundings, inner thoughts and emotions. It is a time to stop and be mindful and kind.