The Jubilee Year 2025 is a very significant occasion for our global Church. Celebrated every 25 years, the Jubilee is an invitation to renew our faith and foster deeper connections with one another through strengthening our relationship with Christ.
To help bring this Jubilee Year to life in every Catholic school, parish and wider Catholic community, we are excited to launch the MACS Jubilee Year website. The site is a central hub for resources, events and ways to engage throughout the year as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
There are many opportunities to celebrate the Jubilee Year and I strongly encourage your support in every way possible. In particular, I wish to bring your attention to these three:
Jubilee Year Ambassador Program
All schools are asked to nominate teachers and students who will champion the Jubilee Year in their communities. Ambassadors will be officially commissioned at the Mass of St Patrick for Schools on 21 March.
Nominations are now open via the Jubilee Year website under ‘Resources for school engagement’ and close on 21 February.
Catholic Education Week
Taking place 16–23 March, the week will include the Creative Arts Exhibition at the Catholic Leadership Centre and other celebrations that highlight the vibrancy of Catholic education.
Australian Catholic Youth Festival
Held in Melbourne from 30 November to 2 December, the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) will offer Catholic secondary school students and teachers a unique opportunity to mark the end of the Jubilee Year. As Melbourne is the host Archdiocese, MACS will play a crucial role in this national festival.
All secondary students aged 14 and over, along with teachers under 25, will have a pathway to take part in the festival – which was last held in Perth in 2019. I know many schools have already commenced planning to ensure staff and students can participate in large numbers, and I now strongly encourage all schools to follow suit. You can learn more about the festival here.
Please ensure you forward this information to your Religious Education and/or Faith and Mission leaders. Questions and enquiries about ACYF participation can be directed to cmi@macs.vic.edu.au.
The Jubilee Year is a time for celebration, reflection and connection. Thank you for the vital role you play in shaping your school communities – it is your leadership that will help make this Jubilee Year truly meaningful for everyone involved.
In this edition
Positive transitions are essential for supporting school attendance. Brooke Kilborn, Education Officer, Child Safety explains that by building relationships, creating a sense of belonging, providing supportive environments, and maintaining effective communication teachers can help students navigate transitions successfully.
When sharing news of achievement, innovation and/or good practice on your school’s social media accounts, please remember to tag Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools. Sharing your stories builds collegiality and enriches our sense of being a Catholic education community.
Dr Edward Simons
Executive Director