Dear parents,
One of the most famous prayers for the dead is that of St Gertrude. A Benedictine nun who lived in the 13th century, St Gertrude the Great, as she is often referred to, is said to have received a vision of Jesus in which Our Lord promised her that 1000 souls would be released from purgatory when the prayer is said devoutly. Let us offer it now.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
Whether the efficacy of the prayer is strictly as described or not, the reminder each November to pray for the dead is welcome and needful. SMMC’s commemoration of All Souls Day moves me every year and sets our College apart. It could not happen without the generosity of our parish clergy who are a powerful witness to the mysteries of our Catholic faith. I am immensely grateful to Fr Murphy and Fr Heffernan for their loyalty, constancy and magnanimity.
My gratitude goes also to parents (mostly mums!) who went above and beyond to send their saints to school on the Solemnity of All Saints in costumes representing a member of the canonised. Like the day that follows, the witness of these faithful young Catholics to each other and those of us who have been around a bit longer helps us to move towards the life and place they are giving witness to.
Warm regards,
Ian Smith
Principal
Upcoming Exams
Please keep our Year 9 and 10 students in your prayers as they prepare to sit their end of year exams next week. Thank you.
Orientation for New Students
Orientation for new Kinder students will take place on Friday 24th November and for Kinder plus all other year levels on Friday 1st December. Details have been sent out via email to those families who have confirmed new enrolments for 2024. Please contact the school office if you require further information.
Cardinal Newman Faith Resources
Cardinal Newman Faith Resources will be making their annual visit to the school on Friday 24th November. Religious books and piety items will be available for purchase after Friday morning Mass that day. Come and have a look at their fantastic range and maybe do a little Christmas shopping for family, friends and yourself too! Eftpos facilities will also be available.
Student Medical Details
Have your child’s medical details changed since they were first enrolled at SMMC? Please contact the school office if your child’s medical details need to be updated or if your child has an updated medical action plan. It is important that the school has accurate medical records for conditions like asthma, allergies etc to assist with providing first aid if and when it is needed. Thank you.
