Deepening Our St Joseph’s Catholic Identity

On our mission to deepen our St Joseph’s Catholic identity, we are learning about what it means to live our charism and what it means to be a “Joey.” During prayer led by Year 6 this Friday we will begin to unpack the fourth of our St Joseph’s Values: A Joey is generous to people in need. Saint Mary Mackillop’s most well-known quote is “Never see a need without doing something about it.” She had a particularly special place for those who were disadvantaged, marginalised and isolated.

With a year that has been like no other in our experience, I wonder who are the disadvantaged, marginalised and isolated in our community? Do we see these people? Do we try to do something about it when we ourselves are feeling challenged and have less capacity? Mary often assisted in challenging situations.

Pope John Paul 11 said,

"Mary MacKillop embodied all that is best in your nation and in its people: genuine openness to others, hospitality to strangers, generosity to the needy, justice to those unfairly treated, perseverance in the face of adversity, kindness and support to the suffering. Think of Mother Mary MacKillop and learn from her to be a gift of love and compassion for one another, for all Australians."

Through Mary’s example, we are asked to foster a world where those in need come first: in our church communities and in our neighbourhoods, and, to influence, if we can, decisions made at the local, national and international level. I wonder what needs we will see today and what action we can take to do something about it?