Catholic Mission Launch

MULI SHANI !! (greeting in Bemba language - spoken in Zambia)

Lst Thursday, 11 September, the Wollongong Diocese marked the beginning of the Diocesan Catholic Mission Launch for 2025. We, Year 10 captains, Krisha and Chloe, were given the opportunity to attend a liturgy at Magdalene Catholic College with Mrs Macri, where we were reminded of our divine vocation and were called as “missionaries of hope, to lift others up”.

The annual theme, ‘Socktober’ by Catholic Mission, is a powerful initiative that has a special focus on supporting insufficient communities around the globe, including Zambia. Their goal is to educate students, increase awareness, and raise sufficient funds to ensure children in these communities have easier access to food and education, with the hopes of providing them with the chance to build a brighter future. This has been supported through the creative use of “sockballs” to play soccer, a common sport played globally, as a symbol of hope and peace.

Afterwards, over morning tea, we obtained the chance to interact with other students and teachers from various primary and secondary schools across the Wollongong Diocese – some of whom had travelled over an hour to be there. 

From this insightful visit, we learnt that the Catholic Mission is not just about giving money, but about standing in solidarity with others and working together to create change. Additionally, the Youth Ministry Leaders at Magdalene also imparted attendees with bookmarks, as a constant reminder of the pivotal mission;  that we may “carry out our missionary calling.” It was a deeply meaningful experience, and we are proud to have represented Mount Carmel Catholic College at this event. 

We gained new perceptions on ways we can implement Catholic Mission into our school community and look forward to hosting a fundraising event that will allow our school to contribute to this important cause!

Written by Krisha Chand and Chloe Sujanto

12SiCT Reiby Activity

On 9 September, our Year 12 Studies in Catholic Thought students enjoyed a presentation from Lee Bromely, the Youth Chaplain at the Reiby Youth Justice Centre. The purpose of the presentation was to demonstrate the humanity of each person, linked to our studies of the Catholic Social Teachings on the dignity of the human person. Students gained a deeper understanding of the circumstances and challenges of the youth, which oftentimes led them to their incarceration, with the aims of fostering empathy. 

Our students designed and wrote Christmas cards which will be distributed to those in the justice centre. It is our hope that each person feels loved and respected, irrespective of their circumstances. This was a valuable opportunity and experience for students to contribute to their wider community. We hope these are life long values instilled in our students who will continue to be positive and productive members of society.