Called to Be Light for the World

On Thursday 20 February, members of our College community gathered for the Year 7 Commissioning Mass, a special time of prayer, reflection, and commitment to the Mercy values that shape our community. During this sacred moment, our newest students were called by name and presented with a candle—a symbol of their call to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16).

As they begin their journey at Sacred Heart College, our Year 7 students are invited to embrace their gifts, seek wisdom, and grow in faith, leadership, and service. They are called to live out the Mercy values and become beacons of light in the world around them.

It was fitting that this Mass coincided with the World Day of Social Justice, which serves as a reminder of our Catholic commitment to justice. Throughout His ministry, Jesus proclaimed the Good News to the poor, lifted the lowly, and called His followers to transform the world through love, mercy, and recognition of the dignity of every person. He showed us that true discipleship means serving the most vulnerable and standing with those in need. As a Mercy community, we are called to do the same—to act with compassion, seek justice, and build a world where all can flourish.

As a College, we put our faith into action by supporting organisations that serve those most in need, including:

• Mercy Works, which provides education and empowerment programs for disadvantaged communities.
• McAuley Community Services for Women, which offers crisis support and housing for women and children fleeing violence.
• Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), which advocates for and provides essential aid to asylum seekers and refugees.
• Caritas Australia, which delivers humanitarian relief and long-term development projects worldwide.

Through these partnerships, we strive to live out the Gospel call to justice, mercy, and service, ensuring that those in need are met with compassion and dignity. We encourage our Sacred Heart College community to explore how they can also support these initiatives.

Inspired by Catherine McAuley, who wrote, “We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us,” we pray that our Year 7 students and our entire College community embrace their call to be people of hope and justice, bringing light to those in need.

Together, may we build a world where mercy, justice, and compassion flourish.