Assistant Principal - Mission
At St Paul’s, Mission events are a vital part of our Catholic identity. By enrolling at our College, families commit to supporting their child’s participation in liturgies, feast days, social justice projects, and community celebrations. Over the last few weeks we have had a few key events. The Year 11 Retreat – Legacy and Leadership – in which we witnessed a great group of young people engage fully in activities and demonstrated clearly what it means to be a student at St Paul’s. Year 8 students participated in ‘Catch the Wave’, a day facilitated by our Regional Retreat Team, where some of the students demonstrated engagement and respect towards the presenters.
These experiences help students develop their faith, compassion, and service, while strengthening the connections between home, school, and parish. Parent support and student participation ensure that our Mission remains central to St Paul’s, making our College not only a place of learning but also a community of faith and belonging.
Saint Carlo Acutis: A Saint for Our Times
On 7 September 2025, in front of 80,000 people at Vatican City, the Catholic Church celebrated the canonisation of Saint Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be recognised as a saint. His story has touched the hearts of young people around the world, not only because he lived recently but also because he demonstrated that holiness is achievable in the daily life of a student.
Carlo was born in 1991 in London and grew up in Milan, Italy. From a young age, he had a deep love for the Eucharist and would spend extra time in prayer before the tabernacle. His devotion was matched by a lively, joyful spirit—he loved playing football, video games, and even collecting Pokémon cards. What made Carlo different was his ability to combine these ordinary interests with an extraordinary love for God and others.
At school, Carlo was remembered as a kind and inclusive classmate. He defended peers who were bullied and reached out to those who felt lonely. His teachers described him as curious, joyful, and brave in sharing his faith. He wasn’t concerned with popularity—he once returned a new pair of sneakers to his parents so the money could be used to help the poor.
Carlo also had a gift for technology. A self-taught computer programmer, he created a website cataloguing Eucharistic miracles from around the world. This project has since become an international exhibit, drawing people back to the beauty of the Eucharist.
In 2006, at just 15 years old, Carlo was diagnosed with leukaemia. He offered his suffering for Pope Benedict XVI and for the Church, saying, “I offer all the suffering I will have to suffer for the Lord, for the Pope, and the Church.” He died peacefully on October 12, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of faith, courage, and love.
Carlo’s path to sainthood was marked by miracles attributed to his intercession, including the healing of a young woman in Costa Rica in 2022. His canonisation in 2025 has made him a powerful role model for young people everywhere.
Saint Carlo Acutis shows us that holiness is not about being perfect—it is about using our gifts, talents, and interests to bring joy, faith, and kindness into the world. He famously said, “We are all born originals, but many die as photocopies.” His life challenges us to be genuine, to live our faith boldly, and to embrace the unique way God calls each of us to make a difference.
Mrs Lesa Morrison - Assistant Principal - Mission