This Jubilee year, our School Advisory Council set a goal of deepening our Catholic Identity. One of the ways we planned to do this was by organising a Community Pilgrimage to mark St Lawrence's Feast Day. After much thought and research into different pilgrimage sites across Victoria, we chose St Patrick’s Cathedral as our destination – a sacred and significant place at the heart of our faith.

Some families met at Deer Park station and travelled in together by train, while others joined us at the Cathedral. It was wonderful to see our community come together in faith, prayer, and celebration. The Cathedral’s beauty and sacred atmosphere provided a meaningful space to reflect and give thanks.

In preparation, families were invited to an online information session, where we learned about what a Jubilee year means, what a plenary indulgence is and we outlined the plan for our pilgrimage. In the days leading up to our pilgrimage we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

On the morning of our pilgrimage, members of our school community gathered at Deer Park station, where the sense of excitement and anticipation was tangible. Together, we travelled by train into the city, sharing conversation, laughter, and the joy of being on this faith-filled journey as one community. Other families met us at the Cathedral, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces come together for this special occasion.

Fr John con-celebrated the Mass with Monsignor Hart, who warmly welcomed the St Lawrence Pilgrims from the pulpit. The Mass was beautiful and the choir sounded ethereal. Once Mass had concluded we gathered in prayer as a community – offering prayers for the Holy Father, reciting the Jubilee Prayer, and praying our school prayer, all to the backdrop of the Cathedral’s beautiful choir.

Then we explored the different spaces within the Cathedral and found the stamp for our pilgrimage passports. Once we had explored the interior of the Cathedral, we explored the beautiful gardens and statues on the grounds of the Cathedral.

Our time at the Cathedral allowed us to connect not only with God, but also with one another as we deepened our sense of belonging to both our parish and school community. It was a day filled with faith, joy, and togetherness – a living expression of our Catholic Identity.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us on this pilgrimage, and we look forward to continuing to walk together in faith as a community.