On the Feast of all Souls, we celebrated our final full school Mass for the year. It was also the last Mass for our 2023 leavers, so it was fitting that we honoured them too.

Fr Mark Walls, SM and old boy was our celebrant. In his homily he emphasised to the leavers that it was time to leave, and to do so with hope –‘hope is the firm belief and commitment to what’s possible’.

After communion, each Year 13 leaver was presented with his leaver’s crucifix. Mr McDowall reminded the boys that these were a gift from the college and ‘a reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection and of His constant message to us, of love and forgiveness’.

The boys then sang the poignant words of the Galilee Song to their parents:

Deep within my heart I feel
Voices whispering to me
Words that I can’t understand
Meanings I can’t clearly hear
Calling me to follow close
Lest I leave myself behind
Calling me to walk into
Evening shadows one more time
So I leave my boats behind!
Leave them on familiar shores!
Set my heart upon the deep!
Follow you again my Lord
As I gaze into the night,
Down the future of my years,
I’m not sure I want to walk
Past horizons that I know!
But I feel my spirit called
Like a stirring deep within,
Restless ‘til I live again
Beyond the fears that close me in!

After Mass, the Year 13 students performed the school haka to parents and whānau.