All staff and students are preparing to celebrate the life and legacy of our patron saint, St Catherine of Siena, whose Feast Day falls on Monday, 29 April. This week, our dedicated staff are engaged in professional learning sessions, delving deep into the essence of St Catherine's spirit in the context of 2024. Through readings and enriching discussions, they have explored how St Catherine's spirit manifests in our classrooms and throughout our College grounds, while also contemplating the pressing justice issues that would ignite her passion for action in today's world.
Our College community will gather in St Dominic’s Parish on the morning of Tuesday, 30 April to acknowledge and celebrate St Catherine. Our eucharistic celebration will be presided over by our College Chaplain, Fr Kevin Toomey OP. As a symbol of unity and respect, all students are expected to attend dressed in their full winter uniform, complete with a crossover tie and blazer.
“Catherine of Siena calls across the centuries with frightening clarity. Catherine of Siena becomes a woman to be reckoned with again. As long as there are poor among us, Catherine of Siena is a woman to be reckoned with again. As long as there is war anywhere, Catherine of Siena is a woman to be reckoned with again. As long as the church is more an institution than a vehicle of the Gospel, then Catherine of Siena is a woman to be reckoned with again. As long as any woman, anywhere, is demeaned or diminished or dismissed as foolish or incompetent or lesser in the sight of God… then Catherine of Siena is a woman to be reckoned with again.” Joan Chittister
Next week, our Student Representative Council (SRC) will be orchestrating various fundraising events for SRC Week, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the impactful work of the Dominican Sisters in the Solomon Islands. Over the years, our fundraising endeavours have significantly enhanced infrastructure and facilities, even facilitating the acquisition of essential resources like a vehicle. SRC Week, coupled with the commemoration of St Catherine, serves as a catalyst for our students, inspiring them to become proactive agents of change, collaborating to enact meaningful and tangible transformations in our global community.
Dominican Sisters in the Solomon Islands
This year, Siena College partners with Xavier College and other institutions to support Jesuit Mission. At the Maytime Fair on Saturday, 4 May held at Xavier College Senior Campus, Siena College will host two stalls selling show bags. Proceeds will aid Jesuit Mission's work in Asia and Africa. Students are encouraged to volunteer and will be supervised by Siena College staff, fostering a spirit of service inspired by St Catherine of Siena. To purchase tickets or learn more about the Maytime Fair, click here.
