CHAMPAGNAT DAY
YEAR 12
Champagnat Day celebrates the life of Marcellin Champagnat. John Therry is one of three Marist colleges in the Macarthur area. This year we had the privilege of being invited to two Champagnat Day Masses.
During Champagnat week celebrations, several Year 12 leaders attended neighbouring schools St. Gregory’s College and Mount Carmel Catholic College.
Attending St. Gregory’s College on Monday 6th of June was Sport Captain, Jayden Cook, Academic Captain Mariella Sculli, Ryan House Captain Tahlia de Vos and Murray House Captain Jessica Garner. The Mass was a large-scale event with over 1000 in attendance and celebrated by Bishop Brian along with local Parish Priests and Marist Brothers. Tahlia and Jess were impressed by the band at St. Gregory’s College which created an elegant mass. They felt the hymns established an unforgettable experience, bringing the community together as one, as uniting the people through song.
“The overall presentation at the St Gregory's mass was extraordinary. The organisation of the mass was inspiring, as the liturgy was put together well and created a spiritually fulfilling experience. After not having a mass since before covid, it was amazing to see a large community come together on Champagnat day.” - Jessica
“It was outstanding to see such a wide representation of the clergy present at the St Gregory's mass on Monday. The coming together of the community as one during the mass was a fulfilling experience” - Tahlia
“The community at St. Gregory’s was inspiring to see, especially seeing the primary school children actively participate within the mass, being reverent and respectful.” - Mariella
“The significance of the St Gregory’s gathering was very high and eye opening, to see as such a wide range of different Marist communities were brought together - Jayden
Mr. Wayne Marshall accompanied our two College Captains, Elise Farrant and Sio Inosesio, Spiritual Captain Grace Diaz and Social Captain Rainer Smith to Mount Carmel Catholic College on Friday 10th June.
“The spirit of Champagnat as captured through the hospitality of Mount Carmel’s students and staff. Warm and welcoming, reverent and energetic, the spirit of Mount Carmel summarised.” - Sio Inosesio
“Mount Carmel's environment and spiritual landscape was not only welcoming but captivating. The mass was an honour to be a part of and was a highlight of my highschool Marist journey. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet Br Bill Sullivan, Br Robert Aiken, and Br Robert O'connor, all in all was an amazing morning, and a blessing to be a part of. ” - Elise Farrant
“The environment that Mount Carmel created through their Champagnat day Mass was welcoming and highly significant for my spiritual journey. I felt a part of their Marist community and felt blessed to take part in the Mass.” - Grace Diaz
“Mount Carmel’s Champagnat Day Mass was a fantastic representation of Marist Charism within the school. The connection present within the community was amazing to both witness and be a part of.” - Rainer Smith
”It was so lovely to return to Mount Carmel as part of the Champagnat Day celebrations. Although only half the College gathered it was still a joyous occasion in recognition of our Marist beginnings. It's wonderful to see Br’s Bill, Rob and Robert again.” - Wayne Marshall, Principal.
It is always a wonderful opportunity to connect with our neighbouring schools and we appreciate their invitation to join them for these wonderful occasions. It is clear we have a great Marist community within the Macarthur region.
Dermot Holmes
Year 12 Pastoral Coordinator
YEAR 7
To celebrate Champagnat Day, Year 7 students participated in completing a Three Violets activity to further understand the connection that John Therry has with the Marist tradition. The Three Violets of Marist represent the humility, simplicity and modesty of Marist values.
Love of work - Pri Maharaj
“I chose love of work because to me this represents how I dedicate myself to my work and how I take part and invest time in different types of learning skills at John Therry. Love of work to me as a JT student is shown and expressed around the school through the great works from those involved in “Curtain Call” as well as the celebration of awards at assemblies. These celebrations of achievements further motivates me to continue to work hard and strive to be my best and not to lose focus. Love of work to me means to have pride and motivation in the things you love to do, to give it your best and not just for the sake of it but for yourself.”
