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The Season of Creation is an annual Christian event that invites us to pray and work together to care for our planet. It begins on 1 September, the start of spring, which Pope Francis has named the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on 4 October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.

Pope Francis has written two important letters, Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum, focused on sustainability. These letters are meant to guide the Catholic community’s conscience. He emphasizes that caring for God’s creation isn’t just a choice – it’s an essential responsibility. Our actions are causing the loss of species and habitats, which affects everyone. We must act quickly because our decisions impact future generations. He criticizes the profit-driven mentality of wealthy nations, which leads to social inequality and environmental harm. The poor, who contribute the least to climate change, suffer the most from its effects.

Pope Francis advocates for ‘integral ecology’, a comprehensive approach that sees economic, social, political, ethical, and environmental issues as interconnected. He highlights that caring for the Earth and caring for each other go hand in hand. Protecting the environment is a matter of justice and fairness. All aspects of life—environmental, economic, social, and technological—are connected. The Pope points out that crises like climate change and the pandemic have led to more selfishness and wealth hoarding, instead of fostering solidarity and generosity. We need to move from thinking "The world was made for me" to understanding "We were made for the world”.

We sometimes forget our connection to the rest of creation. A friend once said while hiking, "Listen, the trees are praying," reminding me that being mindful of our bond with nature can make life feel like a meditation, helping us feel in harmony with the world and recognize every place as sacred. St Francis of Assisi saw all creation as family. Pope Francis encourages us to embrace a sense of wonder, which can reduce our ego, inspire generosity, and deepen our concern for all living things.

Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum remind us of our deep connection to creation, showing us that God’s presence is in everything. This perspective calls us to recognize the divine interconnectedness of all beings and the environment, urging us to treat the world with deep respect and care.

Fr Peter Hosking SJ
Rector

OREMUS (Let us pray)

We remember all in our College community. May our prayers comfort those suffering at this time. May God’s blessing be a source of support in their sorrow and loss, and bring courage, patience, and hope.

“Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door will be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7)

If you would like someone to be remembered by the College community in prayer (even anonymously), please provide details to the Rector, class or Mentor Teacher, or House Leader.

To Hope and Act with Creation

This year’s theme for the Season of Creation is ‘Hope and Action for Creation’. At our senior years Eucharist this week, we highlighted the importance of caring for creation. Next week, our chapel services, organized by the Care for Country group, will reflect on our stewardship of the environment.

Some Year 11 students have put together videos about sustainability for our daily Examen. We’ll also have fun activities such as baking with indigenous ingredients and a terrarium-building workshop. Thanks for joining in this celebration.

Nick Hauschild
Sustainability Coordinator

Year 5 Day of Reflection

On Tuesday, August 13, the Year 5 students embarked on a Day of Reflection focused on the theme of "Vocations – how God calls Christians to live lives dedicated to serving others." This meaningful experience took place at the Mary MacKillop Museum, a historically significant site located across from our Junior School.

This special day provided each student with an opportunity to experience and reflect on God’s presence in their lives with a sense of gratitude. Throughout the Day of Reflection, students participated in various activities that encouraged them to explore the life and vocation of St. Mary MacKillop.

These experiences offered a valuable chance for students to reflect on the essential role that God and Jesus play in their daily lives and how they can use their gifts to serve others.

Anne Mercorella
Director of Faith and Service - Junior School

Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students who received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion on August 19th and 25th. These sacraments are pivotal religious milestones in our community, marking the students' deepening relationship with the Holy Spirit and their complete initiation into the Catholic Church.

The ceremonies were graced by the presence of Bishop Greg O'Kelly alongside Fr. Peter Hosking, Fr. Gaetan Pereria, Fr. David Cappo, and Fr. Anthony Beltrame who concelebrated these memorable sacraments. Bishop Greg's homily reminded us of our individual uniqueness and purpose as creations of God, each endowed with unique gifts.

Anne Mercorella
Director of Faith and Service - Junior School

Fundraising for Jesuit Mission

A recent Chapel Service highlighted the work of Jesuit Mission in the redevelopment of Timor Leste and with projects in Myanmar. Last week at the Senior School, House groups sold food during lunchtime and raised over $4000 for Jesuit Mission.

The Junior School will be holding their Mission Fete on Thursday of Week 10. Monies raised from this will also be directed to Jesuit Mission.

Shane O'Brien
Director of Mission

Access the Australian Catholics Magazine Online

Families are invited to view the latest edition of the Australian Catholics Magazine. Stay informed, inspired, and connected with insightful articles, stories, and resources for the Catholic community. Access the online version using the details below: Username: students@ignatius.sa.edu.au Password: acstudents
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