On Tuesday 9 August, the Year 8 cohort gathered, together with their Pastoral Teachers, for their year group Liturgy. At each of these liturgies, it is our practice to invite one of the girls from the year group to write and deliver a reflection on the Scripture readings used in the Liturgy.

The following is the text of the reflection read out by Anastasia O.  

As we come together today as a Year 8 community, it is important to reflect on the journey that we have travelled so far. In 18 months, we have already experienced some of the most difficult times in recent human history. Lockdowns, remote learning, flooding, fires – these are just some of the challenges that we have endured. Combine this with starting high school and trying to find our feet and our place in this large community, and it is fair to see that we have truly come so far in such a short time.

I know myself that these times have been hard. But at the core of adversity is hope – and being a part of this wonderful Catholic community brings hope to us each day. Not only through our connections with other students, teachers, and staff, but most importantly through the way we connect with God each day.

This year St Pat’s is focusing on the Benedictine values of Lectio Divina ("Holy Reading" of the Bible) through the lens of obedience and discipline. Given these values, 2022 has been chosen by the College as our Year of Prayer. Lectio Divina was devised by St Benedict as a way of using scripture as a form of prayer. Prayer is our way of connecting with God. In connecting with God, it is important to listen, which is the primary aspect of obedience. Having listened to what God wishes to communicate to us through Lectio Divina, we use our discipline to carry through with appropriate action in response to God's Word and call. Note also that a disciple is one who exercises obedience through discipline.

We are all disciples of God. Not in the sense that we go from place to place preaching God’s word, rather, through the way we live and interact with each other … a smile, offering a seat on the bus, holding the door open for someone else. This is how I see us as disciples of Jesus. We all have a part to play, and through our actions, our place becomes more special and connected with God.

I am excited to grow more spiritually as our journey continues. We will have so many more exciting opportunities and memories to make during our time here at St Pat’s. In speaking to the Year 12 students, one thing that was clear to me is just how fast time goes by. I have heard them speak about their time as a Year 8 student as if it was only yesterday. I want to really cherish every moment I have as a St Pat’s girl. I want to make sure that I leave no stone unturned, making the most of every opportunity I have at the College. I think this is a great idea for all of us to stop and reflect on. What are we hoping for? What do we want to achieve? How can I be a better disciple of God?

We are on this journey together. I know that we will succeed together and achieve our full potential knowing that ‘the Lord is our light’.

These are certainly reflections that the Year 8 girls can ponder as they continue their St Patrick’s journey.

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator