I have just returned from the Town Hall Theatre at the Paranaple Arts Centre and was lucky to be able to watch the opening scenes of the dress rehearsal for We Will Rock You, and I want to share the emotions that overwhelmed me.  I was literally brought to tears with pride that I am connected to such an amazing pool of young people, and with gratitude for the staff who are so generous with their time and talent, working with them to give them the opportunity to participate in the experience that will stay with them for life.  Opening night is this Thursday 12 August.  Spoil yourself - contact the Paranaple Arts Centre and see what nights you can still get tickets.

The Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop)  

(8th August)  

About Mary MacKillop:  

Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in (Fitzroy) Melbourne (Australia). On 8 August 1909.she died, having  suffered a disabling stroke in 1902. Inspired by a meeting with Fr. Julian Tenison-Woods, Mary MacKillop at the  age of 25 took her vows and the religious name, “Mary of the Cross”. In doing so, she founded the congregation  of the Sisters of St Joseph. Soon after taking her religious vows, Mary MacKillop began schools. Within 5 years  of taking her vows and founding the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Mary had established over 30  schools, in South Australia and over 100 women had joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph.  

Mary MacKillop was very conscious of the plight of the poor and needy. She worked with families that lived in  isolated areas of Australia. As a result, Mary MacKillop pioneered a new form of religious life in Australia and  commenced a “system” of “Josephite" schools that would provide education, especially for the children of the  poor. In 1873, Pope Pius IX gave Papal approval for the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Even today,  many Australians can say that they too have felt the impact of the enormous work started by St. Mary of the  Cross (MacKillop), having been educated or cared for, by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. She was noted for her trust  in the providence of God and miracles of healing have been attributed to her. She was declared a Saint by Pope  Benedict XVI on the 17th October 2010.  

The Roman Missal has the following prayer for the Feast of St. Mary of the Cross (MacKillop).  

O God, source of all goodness,  

who have shown us in Saint Mary  

a woman of faith living by the power of the Cross,  

teach us, we pray, by her example  

to live the gospel in changing times  

and to respect and defend  

the human dignity of all in our land.  

Through our Lord.  

All: Amen  

“Never see a need without doing something about it.” 

The opening prayer from the Roman Missal (Mass of the Feast of St. Mary of the Cross).  

There will be an information session for work experience during the Term 3 holidays, on Thursday 12th of August at recess in the Library. Work experience forms are due to be submitted to Mrs Banfield by Friday 3rd of September. Late forms will not be accepted. Work experience is sourced by the student and the school will organise insurance, site visits and completion of safety modules, including white cards if required. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Banfield.

At the time of publication there are only a few tickets left for the Thursday night and Saturday matinee sessions.   Don't miss out!

Purchase your tickets here:

https://www.paranapleartscentre.com.au/events/we-will-rock-you/