Today, we gather with hearts full of gratitude, to celebrate and give thanks for the remarkable journey our Year 12 students. For many of you, it feels like a moment of both celebration and relief, as well as a time of reflection.
As we come together in prayer, we remember not just the achievements, but the struggles, the growth and the unwavering support of your families, teachers and friends. And most importantly, we give thanks to God, who has been with you every step of the way.
In the Gospel readings we hear about the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, but only one of them returned to give thanks. The response of the one leper who returned was an act of faith, gratitude and recognition of God’s goodness. The others, while healed, failed to acknowledge the source of their healing.
This story can resonate with us today. You’ve been on a challenging journey, one that involved hard work, late nights, moments of doubt and moments of triumph. It’s easy, once the work is done, to rush past the challenges and focus on the next steps. But today, like the one leper, we pause to give thanks.
Just as the leper acknowledged the gift of healing, today we acknowledge the gift of education, the gift of community and the gift of God’s presence in your lives. The road you’ve travelled hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped you into the young adults you are today, ready to face the next chapter of life.
Year 12, you’ve grown not only academically, but in character, wisdom and resilience. Throughout this year, you’ve learned how to juggle study, family and friendships. You’ve learned what it means to be responsible, to care for one another and to show kindness even in the midst of stress.
But remember that the end of Year 12 isn’t just about finishing exams or receiving your marks – it’s about the person you’ve become through this process. Your true education is not just found in textbooks, but in the relationships you’ve formed, the faith you’ve grown in and the ways in which you’ve allowed God to shape you through your experiences.
And as you will move forward into the next stages of life – whether it’s further study, work, travel, or something else, don’t forget the lessons you’ve learned here at Chisholm. Hold on to your faith, stay grounded in your values and remember that God’s love and guidance will always be with you.
As we reflect on this moment of thanksgiving, let us be mindful of all the people who have supported you along the way. Your parents, your teachers, your friends and above all, God, who has never left your side.
Take a moment to thank them, not just with your words but with your actions. A heart of gratitude doesn’t stop at a “thank you”; it’s shown in how we live, how we treat others and how we continue to grow and share our gifts with the world.
Let us pray.
Lord, we thank you for the many blessings we have received during this time of study. We thank you for the guidance of our teachers, the encouragement of our families and the friendship of our peers. We ask for your continued blessings upon the Year 12 students as they move forward in life.
Grant them the courage to face new challenges, the wisdom to make good choices and the strength to always remain faithful to you. May they go forward with hearts full of gratitude and may they continue to grow in love and faith.
We offer this prayer through Christ, our Lord.
Fr Ziggy Wloczek
College Chaplain
