2025 Newsletter Term 1: week 8

Dear parents,

I wonder what the Church and, indeed, the world would be like were there no St Patrick. Setbacks didn't crush him. On the contrary, being sold into slavery was his path to glory rather than ruin. He is a veritable St Paul in terms of the influence he and the subsequent saints and missionaries of Ireland have had on the world. I don't think I would be a Catholic without him; the communion of saints is real.

St Joseph is the silent and obedient saint and patron of the Universal Church. These two qualities - silence and obedience - are not exactly in vogue. Not one of us is immune to the perpetual hum and clatter of the current age no matter how aware of the challenge we may be. And as for obedience, I would really rather just say and do what I want regardless of the cost to civility, charity and the building of the Kingdom.

Each of these giants has been a focus of our week. Monday's performances, green-dyed lunch rolls and cupcakes embodied the boldness, energy and heart of the preacher. And yet I also sensed, as I often do on these days, a divinely-inspired peace and goodwill. For St Joseph's Day, it was an appropriately quieter, more subdued celebration.

I am most grateful to the teachers and staff who construct and contribute to these days in order to make SMMC life rich, dynamic and truly Catholic.

Thank you for your support.

Warm regards,

Ian Smith

Principal