Welcome to our Week 8 newsletter. This term seems to be flying, with only two weeks to go. St Mary’s Parish and the wider community were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Greg Broderick and Mr Don Smith last week. These two men were outstanding examples of what it means to live a life of service to the community. They were men of faith who lived out their faith by their actions. Mr Broderick made a huge difference through his work for the local St Vincent De Paul. Many students will remember him for his generous work with the Parish and the Young North Food Van. Mr Smith was in the midst of coordinating the improvements to the St Mary’s Church and was a daily presence as he tirelessly gave his time to manage this project and many others around the Church. May they rest in peace.

This week, we welcome Miss Sarah Napier to our staff to commence work as a Relief Classroom Teacher. Miss Napier has been teaching in the Wollongong Diocese and is a former Hennessy student; we wish her all the best in her work at Hennessy.

A small group of students and staff hosted Year 10 Sacred Heart students and their families for a Meet and Greet evening at Sacred Heart on Monday evening. Hennessy students spoke to prospective Year 11 students about their Hennessy experiences and parents had an opportunity to find out more about what Hennessy has to offer. Our annual Open Day will be held on May 14 from 1:30 - 3:10 pm. 2026 is looking like a very strong year with enrolments already being made for next year. 

The Houses continue to fundraise for Caritas with weekly events to raise funds for this important cause. On Thursday McAuley sold hot chips and last week Gallagher House had a very successful lolly fundraiser. We also remind the students that Lent is not just about giving up material things such as food but it is also about ‘giving up’ to change our lives for the better.

A Lenten Prayer:

Fast from judging others, feast on the Christ dwelling in me

Fast from grumbling, feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger, feast on patience.

Fast from being negative, feast on being positive.

Fast from worry, feast on trust.

Fast from complaining, feast on agreement.

Fast from aggression, feast on gentleness.

Fast from bitterness, feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern, feast on compassion for others.

Fast from suspicion, feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken, feast on promises that inspire.