School Evangelisation
SJPC Welcomes the Jubilee Prayer Boat
On Wednesday, St John Paul College had the honour of welcoming a unique and deeply meaningful symbol into our school community—the Jubilee Prayer Boat. As part of its diocesan pilgrimage across the Diocese of Lismore, the boat docked at SJPC during our weekly assembly, where students and staff gathered for a special prayer service filled with faith, reflection, and hope.








Crafted by Newman Senior Technical College and blessed under the guidance of Fr Paul Gooley and our Bishop, the Jubilee Prayer Boat is a travelling symbol of the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope. The boat will visit parishes and schools throughout the diocese, uniting communities in prayer and reflection. Its design honours the rivers, waterways, and ocean that connect so many of our parishes, and it draws inspiration from the international Jubilee logo, which features an anchor as a symbol of faith amid life’s storms.








During the assembly, Mr Carniato was invited to place the St John Paul College plaque onto the boat—joining those of other schools and parishes who have already hosted it. This act of inclusion marks SJPC’s part in the broader diocesan pilgrimage, affirming our shared journey as a community of hope and faith.






Following the assembly, the Jubilee Prayer Boat was moved into the school chapel, where it remained on display for several days. This sacred space provided students with an opportunity to engage more deeply with the symbol—to get a closer look at the intricate design, learn more about the meaning behind the Jubilee Year, and spend time in personal prayer and reflection.
The presence of the Jubilee Boat in our chapel reminded us all that this is more than just a symbolic journey—it is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with our faith, and be strengthened by the hope and love of Christ.
May we continue to walk together as Pilgrims of Hope, grounded in faith, guided by love, and inspired by God’s promise of renewal.
An Unmissable Faith Experience for Young People in Year 9 – ACYF 2025
We are thrilled to share a remarkable opportunity for our Year 9 students to be part of a national celebration of faith, community, and youth empowerment — the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF).
Established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), ACYF is a vibrant gathering of young people from across the country. The Festival provides a space for students to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be inspired as faith-filled leaders and disciples, and to celebrate the vitality of the Church in today’s world.
In 2025, the Festival will be held in Melbourne and is open to students who will be in Year 9 (in 2025) up to young adults aged 25. This promises to be an unforgettable few days filled with inspiring speakers, music, worship, and opportunities for connection and reflection with thousands of other young Catholics.
We strongly encourage families of Year 9 students to complete an Expression of Interest form to help us begin preparing for this exciting event. Not only is this a powerful faith experience, but it also represents excellent value for money given the scope and impact of the Festival.
For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Mrs de Byl, Leader of Evangelisation.
Let’s support our young people as they explore and deepen their faith through this life-giving experience.