Mass, Liturgy & Prayer

St Mary's College has a strong prayer and liturgical life.

The community gathers regularly for prayer, whole school liturgies and Masses.

Mass & Liturgy of the Word with Communion

Mentor Liturgy of the Word with Communion – once a year, each mentor group attends a Liturgy of the Word with Communion, led by a Lay Leader (1 of 10 staff members who have been trained in this area). This is a time for students to reflect on their group and the role they play in our College community.

These liturgies are personalised to the needs and concerns of the mentor group and each boy has an opportunity to take part in the service.

Thanks to the generosity of Father Ray Crowley, staff are invited to attend Mass each week in the Chapel.

Each year we hold Mass for the whole College to attend on various occasions, including the Opening Mass, Closing Mass, Feast of the Assumption, Edmund Rice Mass (Founders Day) and Year 12 Valedictory Mass.

Liturgies and Worship

St Mary’s College celebrates major religious feast days, Ash Wednesday distribution of Ashes Liturgy, Holy Week and Easter liturgies, Anzac Day, End of Year liturgy and remembrance days. We also host activities, both spiritual and social in nature, that seek to link the College with our families, Old Boys and friends.

Every Friday, the whole College comes together in mentor time to pray the Examen. This Ignatian prayer is an exercise in reflection on the week and preparation for the next week.

Building a Community of Faith

The College recognises the need for staff to belong to a community of faith in the Catholic tradition. To this end, opportunities for staff to develop their knowledge and familiarity with the faith are provided through the Cornerstones project. This allows staff to come to an understanding of the key tenets of the faith and encourages dialogue and encounter.

Staff are encouraged to share their faith journey in the College as a living community of faith. RCIA is offered to staff and has seen a significant uptake in recent years.

Staff are also able to request the school chapel for their children’s baptisms in agreement with Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Students are offered a sacramental programme in order to come into full communion with the church.