Inspiring day for our Year 10s

Our Year 10s spent their Retreat Day exploring their spirituality, opening their hearts, singing, dancing, roleplaying and simply enjoying each other's company. The day was led by Chris Doyle from Karis Ministries who led the students in activities which made them think about their future - the type of people they want to become as adults, how we treat others, being courageous and seeing the face of God in everyone. 

Here are some reflections from our students.

"The best part of the retreat was definitely listening to Chris Doyle speak to us all. He was really funny and had everyone laughing, but also managed to share some important life lessons that made me reflect on what truly matters in life. The day was full of so much fun, reflection, and a chance to connect with others. If I had to choose one word to describe the day, I’d say it was special." - Harlie

"I had a very great time on our Year 10 Retreat. Chris started with songs and jokes, warming us into a fun, entertaining and very energetic day. Everyone gave their all in the singing, dancing and activities and that made the day even better! If I could describe the day with one word, it would be inspiring. The way Chris reminded us every session to be grateful and to wish everyone a great life, made me realise how important it is to reflect on the good things that have happened recently." - Keeley

"The whole year level really enjoyed our Retreat with Chris Doyle. The day was filled with singing, dancing, and fun activities, all of which really inspired us to think deeper about our lives. Overall, it was a really great day that made all of us smile and laugh and gave us a great chance to slow down for reflection." - Imogen

Celebrating the Year of Jubilee

To celebrate this special Year of Jubilee, twenty Year 10 students participated in a youth festival held at St. Bede’s last month. More than 250 young people gathered to share faith, fun and friendship with one another. Musician and singer, Gen Bryant was the facilitator for our day together. After a lot of group discussion, interaction and a delicious lunch, the students went on pilgrimage together, walking along the beach towards St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Mordialloc where Fr. Andrew Jekot celebrated Mass for us. Here are some reflections from our students. 

"The Southern Region Youth Pilgrimage was such a special day. I really enjoyed every single part. It was great opportunity to build new connections and get to know people from other schools, whether it was about them personally or their faith journey. With around 12 schools gathered, it was truly amazing and uplifting seeing how throughout the day everyone really came together as one. The welcoming and open environment made by all the students and our host, Gen Bryant and her team made it easy to feel comfortable, get involved and step outside our comfort zones. It was truly a day filled with fun, friendship, and faith." - Ahaana 

“It was a fantastic day at the St. Bede’s Youth Festival! We had meaningful discussions about our faith and our Catholic community, sharing our thoughts as a whole group. It was great to mix with students from different schools and gain insight into how their communities operate, which led to some amazing conversations. We also enjoyed a beautiful singing concert from Gen Bryant’s team, which felt truly therapeutic. The day concluded with a pilgrimage walk to Mordialloc St Brigid’s Church, followed by a beautiful Mass, leaving us all inspired after a faith-filled and memorable experience.” - Dollwia 

"I really enjoyed getting to know people from other schools during our small group time. I met lots of new people with different perspectives on the topics we were discussing. Luckily, the rain held off as we walked to the Church and it was a very rewarding experience. My favourite part would have to be the music at the start of the first session, which had everyone up and dancing." - Sophie 

"The best part of the Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope was definitely the singing and dancing at the start with Gen Bryant. The songs were super fun and honestly such a good way to wake up and get moving in the morning. I loved how she got everyone involved instead of just sitting and watching it made the whole day way more enjoyable and memorable." - Cassy 

"We went to St Bede’s in Mentone to celebrate The Pilgrimage of Hope with many other schools in the southern area. We spent the first part of the day signing and dancing to songs written by Gen Bryant about hope and our faith. We played ice breakers with students from other schools and got to know each other and connect in our faith. Lastly we made the walk to Saint Brigid’s Parish Church in Mordialloc for a short mass with a focus on hope." - Laura

Gospel and reflection

For your personal prayer, reflection and interest we will include the Sunday Gospel reading and a reflection on the Gospel in our College newsletters. I hope this helps you to deepen your faith as you engage with the Jesus of the Gospels.

GOSPEL Jn 3: 13-17A reading from the holy Gospel according to John. The Son of Man must be lifted up. Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven; and the Son of Man must be lifted upas Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.

The Gospel of the Lord.
R. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ

LIFTED UP

Today's Feast moves us away from our usual journey through Luke’s Gospel. Instead, our focus is with John’s Gospel. We are in a different world. John 3 concerns the engagement which Jesus has with Nicodemus, a Jewish leader and, as we learn at the Gospel’s end, a potential disciple. In this chapter, the evangelist seeks to reflect upon Jesus’ origins. John affirms that Jesus, God’s Word and source of Wisdom, is from God. He ‘came down from Heaven’. Jesus is God’s exalted heavenly and human presence. He will be ‘lifted up’, that is, in John’s story of Jesus’ passion and death, he will be ‘lifted up’ on the cross and will be ‘lifted up’ in exaltation by the Father in resurrection. Jesus’ death is also his exaltation. 

In today’s Gospel, the evangelist draws on the imagery of the fashioned bronze serpent that Moses ‘lifts up’, that we hear today in the first reading from the Book of Numbers. The serpent figure rescues the suffering Israelites. For John, this, too, is Jesus’ quest: to rescue and bring eternal life to suffering humanity. John’s passage exudes hope and divine communion with humanity and creation. God loves the ‘cosmos’ so much that God’s very being and expression in the Word, Jesus, suffers for it. This word, ‘cosmos’, comprises the whole of creation, including humanity. 

Palpable optimism permeates this Gospel passage. For John, God wants nothing or anyone to be ‘lost’. All are found in the Word enfleshed in Jesus. God’s community with creation and humanity is sealed and eternal. This is such a rich Gospel for today’s Feast. Every line deserves meditation.

Fr Michael Trainor

Gospel reading from The Jerusalem Bible, Copyright © 1966 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd. and Gospel Reflection, © St Pauls Publications 2025, are published with permission of St Paul's Publications. Strathfield NSW. All rights reserved.

Ms Megan Donohue
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission