One of the most important parts of our school is our Catholic Identity, and our Hennessy Day Eucharistic Celebration brought together our entire College in this spirit.

More than sixty Hennessy students were involved in the Mass, as altar servers, readers, carrying banners, flags, symbols and participation in the offertory procession.

We had a thirty-strong music ministry in the choir loft, with Year 11 students accompanying and choir members from Years 7-12. Mrs Catherine Riordan, Ms Beth Doherty and Mr Damien Foley supported these students in their rehearsals.

The readings and songs were chosen to reflect a theme of “developing a merciful heart for the poor” as we raised money for the work of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal.

There were some lovely surprises during the Mass, including a moving rendition of “Awesome God” sung by Luke Jewitt (Year 10).

Year 11 students Maddi Wegmann, Jordan Beath, Kiarna Newham and Trysta Willoughby sang “The cry of the poor” and Year 8 students Lizzie Reeves and Ashley Langfield sang “What a beautiful name” as a reflection hymn.

Perhaps the highlight of the morning was the appearance during the Gospel Procession of “Joseph the sheep”, a four-week-old lamb, which is being raised by Year 8 student Clancy Douglas. Fr Joe paraded the sheep around for a few minutes, and this fit in nicely with our theme and our readings of the day.

Fr Joe encouraged all of the students to think about how they can be the “life of God” in this community.

Thank you to all students who participated so reverently and to Fr Joe Neonbasu who celebrated the Mass for us.