The four components of the Religious Life of the School are mutually reinforcing yet distinctive aspects of the living faith at St Mary’s Primary School, Maryborough. Our aim is to provide meaningful opportunities for each child to grow in their personal relationship with God, inspired by our Catholic tradition and the values of our school community.
Religious Identity and Culture
From the moment you enter St Mary’s, you will experience a warm and welcoming environment grounded in faith. We nurture spiritual development within the Catholic Christian tradition, enriched by the heritage of our charisms, Saint Mary MacKillop and Catherine McAuley. Our school vision and mission are lived daily through respectful relationships, a strong sense of belonging, and a commitment to service. The sacred is made visible in our prayer spaces, symbols, and the natural beauty of our school grounds, fostering reverence and reflection.
Evangelisation & Faith Formation
At St Mary’s, we recognise the importance of forming hearts and minds in a contemporary and diverse world. Our Religious Education program integrates faith, life, and culture, helping students to encounter the message of Jesus in ways that are relevant and meaningful. Evangelisation is expressed through our pastoral care, inclusive practices, and the lived witness of staff and students. Inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop’s words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” we strive to be a faith-filled community that reaches out with compassion and hope.
Prayer & Worship
Prayer and worship are central to the life of our school. We cultivate a culture of prayer through daily classroom prayer, whole-school gatherings, Christian meditation, and liturgical celebrations. Staff come together weekly for prayer, and our school newsletter includes a prayer focus to unite our wider community. We maintain strong connections with St Mary’s Parish, participating in the Sacramental Program and celebrating Eucharist regularly. Our liturgical life includes whole-school Masses, class liturgies, and special celebrations that mark key moments in the Church year.
Parents and families are warmly invited to join us for significant feast days and liturgical seasons.
Social Action & Justice
At St Mary’s, we are committed to living the Gospel through action. Inspired by the life and mission of Saint Mary MacKillop, we encourage students to be people of justice, compassion, and service. Our community responds to local and global needs through awareness campaigns, fundraising, and outreach initiatives. Students, staff, and families work together to support causes such as Caritas Project Compassion, St Vincent de Paul, Sew PNG (local charity), and Catholic Mission. Through these actions, we aim to be a light for others and make a positive difference in the world.
Parish Sacramental Program
We honour the role of parents as the first educators in faith. The school supports families in preparing children for the sacraments of Holy Communion, and Confirmation, which are facilitated by the parish. Information about sacramental preparation is shared annually via school newsletters and letters home, ensuring families are well-informed and supported throughout the journey.