24 SEPT 2025 Director of Faith and Community

Welcome to the Season of Creation!

We have reached the end of another term, yet we are in a time of newness and beginnings.

Spring has arrived, bringing with it renewal, and all the natural colours and fragrances of God’s creation. From 1 September to 4 October, Christians celebrate the Season of Creation. This year’s theme is Peace with Creation, an opportunity to pray and in the words of Pope Leo:

"Now is the time to follow words with deeds....By working with love and perseverance, we can sow many seeds of justice and thus contribute to the growth of peace and the renewal of hope."

The prayer I share for your families is attributed to St Francis, whose Feast Day is celebrated on 4 October. This prayer is especially meaningful during the Season of Creation and reflects the life St Francis lived. In today’s global climate, it also reminds us of our ongoing need to pray for peace. On Sunday 21 September, we mark the International Day of Peace; a time to remember those affected by conflict worldwide and to pray that global leaders may work towards lasting resolution and harmony.

As Catholics, we recently celebrated the canonisation of Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati; two saints of great significance to our Kolbe community. Frassati House now joins Teresa, Romero, and MacKillop as a house named after a patron saint. Another saint recently canonised by Pope Leo XIV was Saint Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, having died in 2006. He created a website dedicated to Eucharistic miracles and is even buried wearing Nike shoes. These contemporary details highlight his relatability for young people today, earning him the title of the Patron Saint of the Internet.

Back at our Kolbe context, our Year 11 studnets recently participated in their Retreat Days. The students spent some time in gendered groups exploring the pressures they experience and various ways of coping with these. We also had Conquer With Christ facilitate sessions, focusing on ‘Big Feelings’ and how God can accompany and offer peace in these situations. The students also had a presentation from our Art guru Ms Erneste, bringing together their work from Texts and Traditions and their recent excursion to the National Gallery of Victoria.

Finally, we look ahead to our Year 12 students finishing their formal classes before examinations commence in late October. On 17 October, we will gather for a Mass and graduation ceremony to celebrate their contributions to Kolbe Catholic College. We look forward to acknowledging this momentous occasion with the students and their families soon.

Rob Dellar
Director of Community and Faith