The implementation of two senior retreats for Year 11 and Year 12 students provides profound benefits, focusing on personal development and spiritual growth. The first retreat, themed 'Awaken,' encourages students to explore their identities and break down social barriers through engaging activities, fostering a sense of community and connection. This foundation supports the second retreat's theme, 'Journey,' which prepares students for life beyond high school by focusing on transitions, personal challenges, and future aspirations. Both retreats incorporate elements of Catholic spirituality tailored to a diverse student body, enhancing their experience through activities like the sacrament of reconciliation, affirmations, and shared meals, culminating in a Mass that solidifies their learning and spiritual insights. This dual-retreat approach not only deepens students' understanding of their faith and identities but also equips them with leadership qualities and a renewed perspective as they approach significant life transitions.

In this unique feature documentary, titled David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, the celebrated naturalist reflects upon both the defining moments of his lifetime and the devastating changes he has seen. Coming to Netflix October 4 2020, the film addresses some of the biggest challenges facing life on our planet, providing a snapshot of global nature loss in a single lifetime. With it comes a powerful message of hope for future generations as Attenborough reveals the solutions to help save our planet from disaster.

Join us for a Marist Pilgrimage on Sunday, May 4, as we journey through Marist sacred spaces and stories that have shaped the Marist mission in Australia. Starting at St Patrick’s Crypt in Sydney with a guided tour by Fr McMurrich, we’ll travel by bus to Hunters Hill to explore key sites of the Marist Fathers and Brothers, and the Marist Missionary Sisters at Woodbury house , then continue to Woolwich to hear the inspiring story of the Marist Sisters. It’s a day of reflection, connection, and deepening your understanding of Marist spirituality and heritage—all are welcome!

In The New Pope Leo's Devotion to St. Augustine, the speaker highlights why Confessions remains one of the most widely read spiritual works in history—because of Augustine’s deep insight into the human experience and his ability to express how ordinary aspects of life such as friendship, family, ambition, and personal struggle became avenues for encountering God. Pope Leo’s admiration for Augustine is rooted in this rich spirituality, which challenges the individualism of modern society by showing that true happiness cannot be found in fleeting pleasure or self-centered satisfaction. Augustine’s life and writings reveal that an authentic experience of God must involve love of neighbor, community, and self-transcendence—core elements of the Gospel that Pope Leo seeks to uphold in his own leadership and devotion.

In his homily, Pope Leo begins by recalling the words of the responsorial psalm: 'I will sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done marvels,' inviting the Church to recognize the blessings God continues to pour out through the ministry of Peter. Acknowledging the weight of the Petrine mission entrusted to him, he calls upon his brother cardinals and all believers to walk with him as a community of disciples, proclaiming the Gospel with joy. Quoting Peter’s profession—“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”—Pope Leo emphasizes the Church’s duty to preserve, deepen, and share this core truth of faith through apostolic succession.

The future Pope begins by emphasizing that authentic evangelisation must begin with a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. While he acknowledges the usefulness of modern media, he cautions against reducing evangelisation to spectacle or superficial experiences. He stresses that many today are alienated from God and need to rediscover His presence in their lives. The Church must help individuals rekindle faith through deeper spiritual experiences, not flashy distractions. True evangelisation, he says, starts with interior conversion and a recognition of God's intimate presence within us.

Fatima (2020), directed by Marco Pontecorvo, is a faith-based historical drama that recounts the true story of three young shepherd children—Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto—in Fátima, Portugal, during World War I. In 1917, the children report experiencing multiple visitations from the Virgin Mary, who conveys messages urging prayer and repentance to bring about peace. These apparitions, along with the children's unwavering faith, draw attention from both devout believers and skeptical authorities.

Hail Mary, full of Grace. Hail Mary, full of Grace. The Lord is with Thee. The Lord is with Thee.

Steve Biddulph’s interview on the Understanding Boys podcast reflects on his decades-long work as a psychologist and parenting educator. He begins by discussing the positive evolution in fatherhood—from the distant, disciplinarian fathers of past generations to the more emotionally present and engaged dads of today. His early efforts, especially through books like Raising Boys, sought to encourage men to show affection, drop the stoic facade, and realize their unique and essential role in their children’s emotional development. He celebrates the shift in modern parenting, where fathers are now more involved, hands-on, and willing to express vulnerability, benefiting children's confidence and emotional health.

Living with the paradoxes of today demands a fundamental shift in perspective, as emphasized by Brother Tony Leon in his presentation. He delineates two mindsets prevalent in contemporary society: the fixed mindset, characterized by a presumption of finality, and the growth mindset, which embraces possibility and change. Drawing from Carol Dweck's research, Leon illustrates how a growth mindset fosters resilience and success, contrasting with the limitations of a fixed mindset. James Hynes further underscores the transformative power of language, highlighting its ability to shape our reality. Through the lens of James P. Carse's exploration of finite and infinite games, Leon invites reflection on divergent approaches to life, emphasizing the need to transition from competition to collaboration. He illustrates this concept through the evolution of technology and the playful improvisation of everyday life. The recognition of paradoxes inherent in both finite and infinite perspectives underscores the complexity of human relationships and invites deeper understanding. Reflecting on the paradoxes within the Gospels, such as the dual nature of Christ and the enigma of peace, prompts contemplation of the mysteries of faith. Sr Mercedes Navarro Puerto's poignant depiction of the 'magic hour' of Marist Life elucidates the transformative power of rebirth amidst uncertainty. Václav Havel's insight into hope, Father Tim Radcliffe's recognition of humanity's thirst for transcendence, and Anthony Doerr's metaphorical exploration of light collectively prompt introspection on the profound questions that define the human experience. As we navigate the intricate interplay between light and darkness, hope and uncertainty, we are reminded that embracing paradoxes offers pathways to deeper understanding and illumination amidst the complexities of life.

In her TED presentation, 'You think you have a growth mindset, but do you?', Luna Leverett explores the common misconceptions about growth mindset and its practical application in everyday life. Leverett begins by defining what a true growth mindset entails, distinguishing it from the mere positive thinking that many mistake it for. She emphasizes that a growth mindset is not just about expecting growth and success but also embracing challenges, failures, and the continuous process of learning that leads to real change.