Lunchtime liturgy at Nagle College, Blacktown South

Liturgy leader Bianca in discussion with a prayer group member

Members of the Friday prayer group participate in a reflection on the Gospel

Year 12 student Bianca Vella takes her role as Nagle College’s liturgy leader very seriously and is always on the lookout for new ways of improving the spiritual life of her school. One of Bianca’s initiatives has been the introduction of a Friday lunchtime prayer group, encouraging her fellow students to gather regularly and share their faith.

‘When I became liturgy leader I wanted to make a difference and the prayer group was one of the ways I thought I could help other students get more in touch with their spirituality,’ said Bianca.

The prayer group begins each week with a Gospel reading, followed by some reflections prepared by Bianca who has herself attended an outside prayer group for the last ten years. The students join together in song and discuss together the implications for their own lives from the Gospel reading. Year 12 students, Helen Amarilla and Elizabeth Sultana, have attended the prayer group since its inception and say they find the gatherings very rewarding.

‘It’s an enlightening, calm and peaceful experience,’ said Helen.

‘The prayer group gives us some time out from the stress of school to sit and reflect on our lives,’ Elizabeth said.

Nagle principal, Mary Leask, says Bianca’s efforts have a wonderfully positive impact on the college.

‘Bianca is very determined and an inspiration to her fellow students. It is wonderful to see a young person embrace the responsibility of a college leadership role and commit to making a difference in the school community,’ said Mary.

Around ten students regularly attend the prayer group sessions, with the level of participation growing.  

« Return to news list