Today, the school celebrated the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop. We here at St Paul’s have a special link with Mary MacKillop as in 1883, two St Joseph Sisters arrived in Camden and began teaching classes in our school.  Mary MacKillop herself is also said to have visited the school. In her earliest years, Mary MacKillop was impelled by the love of God and her belief in the dignity of all people.

Her belief that “there where you are you will find God” led her to respond in diverse ways to the needs of those who were poor or pushed to the margins of society. She found happiness in making others happy. Through educating the poor, caring for the sick and providing shelter for women and children, Mary created opportunities for individuals to grow towards the fullness of life.

Today, her Congregation, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, continue to be motivated by these same convictions. The Sisters and affiliates serve in a variety of ministries of educating and caring, suffering and healing, being and presence in cities and rural areas, in local parishes and the wider Church, among First Nations people, migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, in prisons and hospitals, aged care facilities, retreat and family care centres, as pastoral workers and advocates wherever there is a need. The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart continue Mary’s legacy bringing fresh courage and offering hope to all.

Inspired by Mary MacKillop and in the tradition of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, St Paul’s school Camden strives to offer service in an environment of peace, hope and love of God. We do this through living our Vision and Mission.

With Jesus as our model; and in the tradition of St Paul and St Mary MacKillop, we strive to provide an education that challenges and encourages all to reach their full potential. We do this in partnership with our families, the parish and the wider community. We are committed to our school motto of
‘Truth, Love, Faith.’

This morning, Fr Victor led us in a celebration of Mass. All of our students also received a momento of St Mary MacKillop.

Next week, on Tuesday, 15 August 2023 at 11am, we will again celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Assumption. All parents and friends are welcome to join us at Mass. The Assumption of Mary is the teaching that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. The Feast of the Assumption enlivens our hope that we shall be with Christ as Mary now is. It promises that after the struggles and losses of this life that we shall find happiness and companionship with God.

Maria Debrincat
Religious Education Coordinator