Come, Holy Spirit: A Flame that Ignites Our Mission

As we recently celebrated the feast of Pentecost, we are reminded of the powerful moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, filling them with courage, vision and the fire to go out and proclaim the Good News to the world. Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the Church,” because it marked the beginning of a mission that continues to this day, a mission we are part of.

In many ways, the story of Pentecost is echoed in the journey of the Brigidine Sisters, whose spirit and vision continue to shape our school community. Inspired by St Brigid of Kildare, a woman of deep faith, leadership, and compassion, the Brigidine Sisters responded to the call of the Spirit by establishing schools across the world, including here in Australia. Our College motto, “Strength and Kindliness,” speaks of a faith lived boldly and tenderly, just as the first disciples were emboldened by the Spirit to live and serve with courage and love.

Catholic education itself is deeply rooted in this same Pentecost spirit. It exists not just to pass on knowledge, but to form hearts and minds, to nurture wisdom and integrity, and to inspire each young person to find their voice and purpose in the world. Every classroom, liturgy, service opportunity and encounter is a chance for the Spirit to stir something new in us, just like that first Pentecost morning.

As a community, we are called to be people of mission, to listen for where the Spirit is leading us today. Whether it’s through acts of justice, inclusion, compassion, or stewardship of creation, we are part of a living tradition that began in an upper room in Jerusalem, that was carried forward by saints like Brigid, and continues in the vibrant life of our Catholic school.

May we continue to walk in that Spirit, with strength, gentleness, and a heart open to where we are being sent next.

Come, Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful
and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Amen

Kildare First Nations Immersion Experience

From Monday 12 May – Wednesday 14 May, two students, Taylah Devenport and Matilda De Jong, together with Kilbreda’s Human Resources Manager, Mrs Julie Hepburn, participated in a truly transformative experience – the Kildare Ministries First Nations Immersion Program at Kindilan, Redland Bay. Taylah and Matilda both spoke at our National Reconciliation Week Liturgy about their experience and here is an excerpt from that speech:

“… in May, we had the wonderful opportunity to fly up to Brisbane to attend Kildare Ministries’ Indigenous Immersion camp. We were joined by other Kildare Ministries and catholic schools from all over Australia and embarked on a rich, immersive, and highly enjoyable camp. Over three days, we were accompanied by Aunty Kath, a Wakka Wakka woman who told stories in accompaniment with her friends and family about her past, her community and what connection means.

We learnt about the traditional food that the local Indigenous community sometimes eat, we heard stories about the aunties’ lives, and what it meant for them to be able to work and teach the younger generations about Indigenous reconciliation. The power of these interactions, and the vulnerability and kindness these aunties showed us, were unmatched. Hearing these stories from a first-person point of view was heartbreaking but empowering, creating a whole new perspective on the stolen generation and making it truly eye-opening to hear firsthand how many people are still affected and how relevant past events that are not talked about enough still are.

The space that was created at the PGL Kindilan camp, to talk about our heritage and family stories, is something we wish to replicate at school and home. The openness shared at these yarns set the foundation for friendships to blossom. The incredible experiences we had and people we met at camp, we will carry with us all throughout life. The deep dedication everyone at the camp had to reconciliation was inspiring. This camp was not about highlighting the divide between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal Australians, but rather how we can fix this gap, share stories and most importantly, listen to create a better future for upcoming generations.”

John Riddle

Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

Head of Counselling Services