Greetings! Welcome to our faith and spiritual life of St Michael’s College. My role as Campus Minister is always exciting. I work as part of a wonderful college Ministry Team, which includes Mrs Margaret Petherbridge, Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE) and Miss Eliza Kerklaan, Pastoral Worker.
The Pastoral Youth Worker position is a part time position funded by the Federal Government National School Chaplaincy Student Welfare Program (NSCSWP). Under the terms and conditions of this scheme students may voluntarily work with Eliza on projects within the College. The main activities that Eliza is involved in are the Vinnies Justice team and support of liturgical music. In all of her activities, Eliza works with a teacher in providing a supportive and caring outreach to students. Under the NSCSWP, Eliza works within a Code of Conduct and if there are any concerns they should be directed to the APRE Mrs Petherbridge, the officially designated Complaints Officer
Mass and prayer is an important and integral part of our Catholic Christian tradition including staff prayer, daily prayer in pastoral classes as well as assembly prayer. We hold regular weekly mass and prayer and scripture in the college chapel every Wednesday morning at 8.10am. All staff, students and families are welcome. It’s a great way to start the day with Jesus and to come together to share in the Eucharist or prayer and worship. These are usually led by staff and students in various pastoral classes. St Michael’s also hosts youth masses throughout the year at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters.
The Ministry Team is also involved in camps, retreats and spirituality days including excursions and special projects. Our focus is on the liturgical life of the school by bringing students closer to God through ritual, prayer and reflection. Our College celebrate special masses such as the Opening Mass which is held in the beginning of the academic year as well as Easter Prayers or liturgies, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Foundation Day, the Yr 12 Graduation Mass and various other special events or feast days in the liturgical calendar.
Christian meditation classes are also held for students in the college chapel throughout the term. This is a great way for students to find stillness in their busy lives and to develop their faith and spirituality through quiet contemplation and reflection. This has become increasing popular with classes and students due to the ongoing demands of the busy world we live in. We come to God and place ourselves in His presence reminding ourselves that it is through His grace and love, that we find peace, hope, strength and above all love.
Camps and retreats are an important part of our college life. They are excellent opportunities for students to explore their own spirituality and deepen their faith in the beautiful surrounds of Lake Ainsworth and Alexander Headlands. Yrs 8, 10 and 12 camps and retreats are held every year. Yrs 9 & 11 have full-day spirituality days and workshops which are usually held at Firth Park, Mudgeeraba and conducted by Christian outreach groups such as the NET (National Evangelisation Team), Y- Lead, Caritas and Emmanuel.
The Ministry team takes part in regular networking, in-service and professional learning days that are conducted across the Brisbane Archdiocese. We work closely with staff of Brisbane Catholic Education to meet goals and objectives of the Religious Life of the School as well as participate and attend major events held across the archdiocese.
Students at St Michael’s College are also involved in social justice projects. Through the College House system, students participate in and contribute to the work of various charity organisations including Rosies (MacKillop), St Vincent de Paul (Shannon), Project Compassion (Oxenham) and African Immersion program (O’Shea). Students also visit local aged care homes such as Hillview House and Bupa Aged Care, Merrimac.
We also participate in the celebration of various other activities and events such as NAIDOC & Reconciliation Week, Seniors Week, World Environment Day.
We would like to take this opportunity to leave with a special prayer…
God, source of strength
You fill our hearts with faith
Bless all students, staff and families of St Michael’s College community
In the spirit of learning and friendship
Help us to bring peace and joy to others
and to follow closely in the footsteps of Jesus Christ,
who walks with us on our faith journey in our Catholic, Christian tradition.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.
St Michael, pray for us…
God bless!
TONI JANKE-DEMMERY
Campus Minister