The Chaplain
The College continues to be blessed by the presence of a full-time Jesuit Chaplain.
A Catholic school like John XXIII College forms part of the saving mission of the Church especially for education in a faith that seeks justice. As part of the Church (that is, the people of God), which is constantly deepening its awareness and rediscovering its relationship with Christ, we, the people of God at John XXIII College, are on a journey of growth, discovery and renewal.
To foster this process, there is an extensive Sacramental program in which the Eucharist is at the very centre.
The Eucharist is celebrated with the entire College community at the beginning and end of the academic year and during Founders Time in August. Year 12 and Year 8 celebrate Mass together on the first day of the College year. There is a community Mass each Friday at 8.00am for students, staff and parents. Upper Primary classes attend Mass on Wednesdays with the Lower Primary classes attending less often. Individual secondary school classes may have Mass from time to time by arrangement between the R.E. teacher and the Chaplain. Year 12 students finish their academic year with Mass on the final day of formal classes. Their Valete (Farewell) occasion is marked by a Graduation Mass (followed by presentation of Graduation Certificates and a formal dinner). On other school days, Mass is celebrated at lunch time. The College Newsletter lists the Chapel Schedule.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to all classes twice in the year. Priests from surrounding parishes assist the Chaplain in this ministry.
Instructional programs for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, are taught in the Primary school (and in the Secondary school where necessary). All are accompanied by parent evenings which the College expects parents to attend. These evenings keep parents in touch with what is being taught so they can talk over the subjects covered with their children and be helped to deepen their own appreciation of the Sacraments. At the beginning of the Confirmation program, there is a Para-liturgy of Commitment which parents and sponsors attend.
The Chaplain, when asked by parents, assists individual students prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation where these have not been received in earlier years.
Besides days of reflection and/or Year camps throughout the College, Year 12 students and staff are offered the opportunity to make a Retreat according to the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola over the first weekend of Term 4.
Throughout the year, the Chaplain sees all Year 8 students in small groups and other new students in Secondary for discussion and guidance over matters of the spirit and the interior life. He is available at all times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and, where possible, supports sick and bereaved members of the College community.
Fr Gaetan Pereira S.J.
