In every season of life—whether filled with joy or marked by challenge—God calls us to lift our eyes to Him with hope. Our hope is not wishful thinking; it is a living trust in the Lord who has promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Because of this promise, we can move forward with courage, knowing that even the smallest act of love and faithfulness contributes to His great plan. 

Hope reminds us that no effort for the Kingdom is ever wasted. Every prayer offered, every kindness shared, every task done with love becomes a brick in the building of God’s glory. St. Paul encourages us: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Let us therefore keep working—whether in our families, our parishes, our schools, or our communities—with hearts aflame for Christ. Let us serve with joy, forgive with mercy, and persevere with faith, trusting that our labour in the Lord will bear fruit beyond what we can see. 

May we be pilgrims of hope, shining the light of Christ in a world that longs for His love. Together, let us continue the good work He has begun in us, until the day when all creation sings of His glory. 

Here are the activities that we have had in school for the past weeks: 

Assumption Mass
It was another successful full school Mass in St. Luke’s parish.  The college has brought the entire school to attend Mass on a holy day of obligation.  It was a high Mass where nine of our altar servers (with incense), through their service, showed the importance of the Feast Day.  Fr. Benedict was so happy to welcome the entire college.  All the parts of the Mass were sung to highlight the importance of it.

Cook Island Māori Language Week Mass
To celebrate the Cook Island Māori Language Week, we read the Mass readings in Cook Island Māori language.  The translation to English was projected on the screen.  It was a good celebration as it allowed the mass goers to experience the love of God by welcoming everyone regardless of the difference in the language. 

Filipino Language Week Mass
The college celebrated  Filipino Language Week from 21 to 25 July.  To cap the event, the students attended the mass presided by Fr. Benedict Francis.  The readings were in Filipino although the responses were in English.

Te Wa Tuku Reo Maori (Māori Language Mass)
On the 19 September, Mass readings were read in Te Reo Māori to celebrate Māori Language Week.  At the end of the mass, our Kapa Haka performed a beautiful Māori song (waiata) that was written by our ex-students.

Professional Development
1. A whole staff PLD was run on the Cardinal virtue of prudence. The four Cardinal Virtues are the hinge virtues for Catholic living, and all other virtues arise from them, including our school Marian virtues. It is through the human development of Cardinal virtues that people can then develop the disposition to explore others. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that Prudence is the ‘chariot’ of all other virtues. The document ‘Being Church in Aotearoa Catholic Schools’ recently published by NZCEO states that other values are strengthened through education in the Cardinal Virtues.  

Initial feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive and it is hoped that development of the Cardinal Virtues can continue so we can grow the Catholic dispositions of all staff in a humanistic and sensitive way, enabling genuine and meaningful development of Catholic living for all staff to then model for our students.  

Thank you to Omar and Ray for agreeing to this PLD and having the breadth of knowledge to understand that development in virtue begins with the development of Cardinal virtues. 

2. Liturgy Planning and Retreats
Our DRS and HOD RE attended a PD on Liturgy Planning and Retreats that was run by the Diocese.  The purpose is to refresh all the leaders to help them prepare liturgies and retreats in their colleges.  John Hall and Bishop Steve Lowe facilitated the PD sessions.

3. Scholarship

Our lead teacher for scholarship Mr. Bidwell connected with Lisa Jenkins at Baradene College to discuss strategies to develop the SMC scholarship programme. Mr. Bidwell spent the afternoon at Baradene College with Lisa and brought back some ideas which we will consider implementing for next year. 

4. David Wells’ talk on Being Pilgrims of Hope in a Synodal Church
Our DRS, Omar Tamayo (6 September) and some members of the SLT (8 September), Chris Sullivan, Lawrence Naicker and Reshmika Lal, attended the talk of David Wells, who is an international speaker.  He focused on these four topics: Life without hope, How virtues work, The importance of Hope and How to become Hope for others.

5. CYSMI 
Meeting with other Colleges – Rosmini College met with Cedric Piggin, Omar Tamayo and Raliemon Lopez to discuss how CSYMI works in Sancta Maria College.  With good feedback from the Diocese regarding how things are running in school, most Catholic Colleges in Auckland would like to get in contact with our school.  Our CSYMI has been active in building camaraderie and strengthening the faith of the youth.  This is evident in how the students have been active in their service both in school and in their different parishes.

Retirement Home Visits
A roster of students has been made and there are already regular visits to Summerset Retirement home.  This opportunity allows students to interact with the adult members of our society, listen to their stories and sing songs with them.  This allows our students to value life and respond to the call of Jesus to love the young and the old.  Currently, Amara Kevern and Omar Tamayo drive the students to the home, but we are encouraging other staff to help.  We have extended this service to Bruce McLaren Retirement home.  The elderly people that we visit love the poem reading, singing and most importantly the chats.  The students are learning a great deal by seeing the value of life. 

Notices from neighbouring parishes:
St Luke’s Parish

• Diocesan Marriage preparation course – are you getting married? Please book your Diocesan Marriage preparation course. Our Courses – Catholic Diocese of Auckland
• Prayer Retreat for Women: ‘Prayer and the Interior life’ from Friday 31 October (6pm) – Sunday 2 November (3pm).  There will be time for Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, Personal Prayer and Spiritual direction.  Early bird registrations and details are available from www.stfrancisretreatcentre.org.nz 
• Legion of Mary weekly meetings are Wednesdays at 7pm in the Children’s room.  Any enquiries please contact Maria Denis at mariadenis25@yahoo.com

St Mark’s Parish

• RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) – we would like to invite anyone who’s interested in knowing about the Catholic Faith with a view of becoming Catholic to come along to our Wednesday evening session from 7:30 – 8:30pm in the Parish Centre.  Please contact the office on 09 576 7959 or Rosemary on 021 1639141 for more detail, if required.
• Chinese RCIA Class (Mandarin) in the Lyon’s Den every Monday from 9:30 – 10:30am and Chinese RCIA Class (Cantonese) in the Lyon’s Den every Tuesday from 9:00 – 11:00am.
• Sewing with Friends – join us while we do all our own mending while in each other’s company.  Machines, scissors, thread and needles are all available, and of course tea and coffee.  It is on the second Saturday of every month in the Lyon’s Den from 2-4pm.
• Life in the Spirit Prayer Group – join us every Thursday from 7:30 – 9:00om in the Parish Centre and enjoy a warm welcome to spend time together in prayer, praise and fellowship with the Lord and each other.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish 

• A new roster for the visiting statue of Mother Mary to your homes is now available in the foyer for the months of September through to December 2025.  Please put your details down if you would like a time.  Please contact Sandie D’Mello on dmelloswans@gmail.com for any queries.
• Life Teen Summer Camp: 14-18 January 2026 at St Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton.  Pencil in this date and Francesca (Parish Youth Minister) will be in touch regarding registrations.

In Christ through Sancta Maria,
Mr. Omar Leo Tamayo
Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy (DRS)