The Ignatian Annie and Samuel
“Love is shown more in deeds than in words.” – St Ignatius. This year, that’s exactly what we’ve aimed for: putting our faith into action. As Christian Service Captains, we’ve watched Loyola students step up, serve others, and bring our Ignatian values to life. We are your Christian Service Captains for 2025, and our names are Annie Clarke and Samuel Covan.
To start Semester Two, our mission as a whole team has been to increase participation in all areas of Christian service, leaning into our Ignatian values of being people for and with others!
This has been accomplished throughout the semester and year through Loyola's co-curricular activities. For example, students in Year 10 and above visit St Pius Primary School in West Heidelberg, helping students with reading, engaging activities, and outdoor play. We have seen a steady increase in participation here and are proud of those from the Loyola community who get involved!
Similarly, Loyola students meet fortnightly with a group of children from around the West Heidelberg area to play games and engage with them, in a program organised through the Exodus community. This program continues to attract many students from Loyola, fostering positive mentorship and ongoing bonds.
Our Vinnies group has been busy visiting The Big Group Hug, helping sort and pack essentials for families doing it tough. The items we sorted were donated by the Loyola community, which we are exceptionally grateful for. We’re also bringing back the Hot Chips Drive, with all proceeds going to Vinnies projects. Later this year, we’ll be heading to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, connecting with other young people about their faith.
While this has been happening, we have launched a special new project for Loyola College that has been gaining attention on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. With help from Mr Tran, we’ve recorded two episodes of the LOL (Living Out Loud) podcast, focused on Christian service. We discuss how students are contributing to the Magis through fundraising, Young Vinnies, and current world events that reflect our values. Our latest episode, Faith in Transition, explores the church under Pope Leo XIII, the first U.S.-born pope. Go check it out if you haven't already. It’s a great way for our wider college community to be involved in the faith life of the college!
In other exciting news, we took part in our first-ever Kairos retreat with St Ignatius College Geelong. This involved four days of reflection, connection, and growing in faith. Kairos, meaning “God’s time”, is a retreat program that invites students to pause from everyday life, reflect deeply on themselves and their relationships, and experience God’s presence in a new way. We are super excited to see this continue in the years to come!
Looking to the future, keep your eyes peeled for our Vinnies non-perishable food drive as well as our Christmas drive this term. Time and time again, we are amazed by the generosity of the Loyola community. In advance, we are grateful for any donations you can provide. We also have the Pay It Forward night coming up, where a group of Year 12 students will participate in a range of Christian service activities, including a barbecue for the West Heidelberg community and handing out supplies to the homeless.
Before we finish, we want to leave you with this......
As Christian Service Captains, we challenge you, the Loyola community, to reflect on how you can be people for and with others. Even small actions can have a meaningful impact when we come together in service!
Annie Clarke (12/FJJM) and Samuel Covan (12/AAOB)
Student of the Fortnight
For our Student of the Fortnight, we wanted to highlight someone who truly embodies Loyola College’s values and spirit of being people for and with others.
This fortnight, the student is Jake Walsh (7/XJAG)! Jake raised $1,565, an exceptional feat for a year 7 student. We are so proud of his fundraising efforts, and we look forward to what he will contribute to the Loyola community in the years to come!
