Faith Matters
Mission & Identity Resources
SEPTEMBER 2026
Opening Reflection
At the recent gathering of Loreto Ministries Steward Directors and Staff, School Board Chairs, Principals and Directors of Finance, Associate Professor Rev Jamie Calder SJ reminded that the “mission has ministries”. The brevity of this observation belies the power of its message, one that is an important reminder for all who lead schools blest to be enlivened by the charism of a particular founder. Our schools exist to serve Jesus’ mission - to support others to fulfil their God given potential, that they may come to know the fullness of life and effect positive change that works for justice. In other words, to bring God’s love to life in our world. The charisms passed onto us by our founders are a great blessing that provide the special characters of religious institute and MPJP schools, as we all seek to provide “the concrete way in which the Gospel becomes an educational gesture, a relationship, a culture.” (Pope Leo XIV, Drawing New Maps of Hope, 1.1)
The mission of Catholic education is clear in the foundational document for all Mary Ward schools – the Mary Ward Schools’ Compass. This seminal work reminds us that “A Mary Ward school today affirms the centrality of the person of Jesus. His gospel and our particular charism offer to education a profound way of being, acting as a positive force for transformation of lives. Building on the foundation of our God-given charism, We seek to invest in the holistic growth of our school community in a deeper understanding and living of the gospel.” (Mary Ward Schools’ Compass)
Serving the mission of Loreto schools makes an extra demand of the stewardship those in governance and leadership positions practice: to ‘own and develop’ the intangible asset that is the Mary Ward charism. Practising this special responsibility requires opening one’s heart to the charism and what this gift can offer your living – your perspectives, actions and decision-making. It is central to the practice of mission-focused governance.
A formation topic for Loreto school boards in 2026 asks directors to reflect on how the Mary Ward charism infuses their service. Pre-reading on Governing with the Mary Ward Schools’ Compass, as well as the Mary Ward Schools’ Compass itself, supports a discussion that encourages board directors to share their reflections on how their board allows this Compass to inform its leadership “in creative and innovative ways congruent to the times” (Mary Ward Schools’ Compass). Board directors are invited to consider:
- Which spoke of the Compass inspires you the most?
- Which spoke challenges you the most?
- How often does the board refer to this Compass when discerning its work?
- How often do the aspirations of the Compass inform the decisions taken by the board?
- How can directors further ingrain the Compass in the board’s work?
Revisiting foundational documents assists us all to practice authentic and faithful mission-focused governance and leadership. So too, does remembering the core of our ministries – the mission of Christ.
Mission Calendar Days
1st September
Season of Creation begins
The 2026 Season of Creation Theme is ‘Living Water’. It calls us to be transformed by immersion in living water for the renewal of creation; to consider our responsibilities and what we can do to renew our earth.
The IBVM/CJ Office at the UN recently reported on ‘2030 Generation: Youth-Led European Event on the Sustainable Development Goals’. This event saw youth from Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Germany, and Australia answer the same set of questions from their own lived experiences to illustrate the sobering realities of access to clean water and clean energy; and the challenges of infrastructure, building sustainable cities, and global partnerships. It was wonderful to see the IBVM/CJ UN Office support opportunities for young people to use their voices at the UN’s 2026 High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
Video from the United Nations’ High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development) 2026: Youth Voices for a Sustainable Future
The ‘Living Water’ Celebration Guide can be downloaded here
Season of Creation padlet – ‘Living Water’ stories and resources from
around the world
If Water Could Speak – Resource for youth and children
News and prayers from the Laudato Si’ Movement
1st September
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 2026 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation highlights the relationship between armed conflict and environmental degradation: “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Is 2:4). This theme - a passage in which Isaiah prophesies the transformation of weapons into agricultural tools — is an explicit invitation to prioritize development and sustainability over violence and destruction.
8th September
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
With the name `Loreto’ we acknowledge the birth of Mary each day by invoking the house where, tradition tells us, Mary was born and raised. On this day, let us intentionally give thanks for the gift of Mary and the example of her life.
Let us praise God, our almighty Father, who wished that Mary be celebrated by each generation. Now in need we ask: Mary, full of grace, intercede for us.
O God, worker of miracles, you made the immaculate Virgin Mary share, body and soul, in your Son’s glory in heaven - direct the hearts of your children to that same glory.
God of love, You made Mary our Mother. Through her intercession grant strength to the weak, comfort to the sorrowing, pardon to sinners - Salvation and peace to all.
God of Hope, You made Mary full of grace - grant all the joyful abundance of your grace.
God of Family, Make your Church of one mind and one heart in love - and help all those who believe to be one in prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Creator God, You crowned Mary Queen of Heaven - may all the dead rejoice in your kingdom with the saints for ever.
Adapted from the Non-Biblical Readings from The Liturgy of the Hours © 1973, 1974, 1975, ICEL
Why do we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary? An interesting
article for the context it relates and the insights it provides into how this
feast is celebrated in different cultures
8th September
International Literacy Day
It was wonderful to hear students from Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak reflect on their experiences volunteering at Friday Night School during our ‘The Girl I Am; the Change I Lead’ webinar earlier this year. These students shared not only how they support children of families newly arrived in Australia to develop their literacy skills, but also what both the Loreto students and the children gain from this volunteering – insights, appreciation and friendships. This reflects that learning to read and write changes everything!
This year, International Literacy Day (ILD) will be celebrated under the theme of ‘Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity’.
Literacy for Life Foundation – training Aboriginal people to bring literacy
to their communities.
10th September
R U OK? Day
Tips from Mary Ward for RU Ok? Day: “We must not only love our neighbours as ourselves, but behave as though we did” (Mary Ward, 1618)
“In adversity, do not let it cause fear, anxiety or trouble but have confidence God will work in the confusion” (Mary Ward, 1616)
If people give you trouble, meet them with friendly words, for you will soften both yourself and them – Mary Ward Maxim
How to ask R U OK? and other resources
21st September
International Day of Peace
The UN theme of the 2026 International Day of Peace `Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day’ invites us all to do our part for peace. UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminds us that “Peace is not just made at conference tables, but in classrooms, neighbourhoods, and everywhere people meet with open minds and open hearts. Together, day by day, we can build a more just world, with compassion, equality and dignity for all.” (UN International Day of Peace)
The IBVM/CJ UN Office invites us to join with CJs around the world in praying daily for peace. This prayer may be good prompt to consider how we can all contribute to peaceful communities in our daily lives.
UN Secretary-General’s message in countdown to International Day of Peace 2026
24th September
Foundation Day
First Mass celebrated at St Mary’s Mount, Ballarat, in 1875.
This photo was published in The Advocate on October 1, 1925, with the caption:
“an educational establishment that celebrated its Golden Jubilee last week. An impressive round of functions began with Solemn High Mass celebrated by Bishop Foley on Thursday (i.e. 24 September, Foundation Day). At the Jubilee dinner the Mayor of Ballarat paid a tribute to the work of the Sisters and to the beauty of the buildings at Mary’s Mount.”
Many of us were lucky to attend the mass celebrated by Fr. Justin Driscoll out the front of this same building in February of last year, as we celebrated 150 years of Loreto life here in Australia. This Foundation Day, may we take a moment to give thanks for the gifts we have all received because of the faith and tenacity of so many women who have come before us, determined as they were to serve the will of God and Jesus’ mission in their time.
27th September
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
In Matthew’s Gospel we read, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Mt18:5)
This is reflected in the 2026 theme for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, “Even just one of these children”. In the Loreto spirit of justice, may we use our voices to remind all that “Children around the world, regardless of where they are from and why they have left their homes, should be treated the same” (UNICEF).
Link to the poster for the day
Migrant and displaced children – Article from UNICEF
Protecting migrant and displaced children - numbers, causes and rights of children affected by migration and displacement
29th September
Feast of Archangels – Michael, Raphael, Gabriel
On my first visit to France, I visited Mont-Saint-Michel. As a child I had been fascinated by the site; cut off by high tides, standing tall and home to an Abbey with Saint Michael perched atop. As a young adult, I was fortunate to visit during winter, and to have the abbey to myself for quite a while. The story of the Archangel Michael captured my imagination, as did the reality that humans had been able to build such an incredible place.
In the Loreto story, there is a long history of Saint Michael inspiring and protecting people. Beginning with Mary Ward herself, prayers to Archangel Michael are said to have protected Mary and her family from Cromwellian forces in York towards the end of her life. The Bar Convent in York, a place of such great importance to the Loreto story, is dedicated to St Michael the Archangel in commemoration of a time when an angry mob gathered outside to protest against the Catholic school and convent. The sisters of the time prayed earnestly to St Michael to protect them, and suddenly the mob dissipated.
These stories and more see Australian Loreto communities and schools placed under St Michael’s protection to this day. On the Feast of St Michael and the Archangels, let us too ask God for guidance and protection:
May the Archangels bless us with their light and protection throughout our days. May they remain by our sides and lead our actions to come from places of love. May our fears be released and we experience light, love and joy. Amen.
THANK YOU
Carolyn Young
Director, Mission & Identity
BA (Hons.), GradDipEd (Sec.), MRE, MEdLead, MBA (Exec)
M: 0460 034 208
"Serve God with great love and liberty of mind" MARY WARD