Coming Together for Peace: Wellington Shire Peace Mass 2026

Catholic College Sale proudly hosted the Annual Wellington Shire Peace Mass for 2026, welcoming nearly 2,000 students, teachers and staff from across the region.

First established in 2003 during the Gulf War, the Peace Mass has become a cherished tradition for Catholic College Sale and the six Catholic primary schools within the Wellington Shire. Each year, the event provides a meaningful opportunity for school communities to come together to reflect on peace, unity and hope.

Held in the Bishop Phelan Stadium, the Mass began with the traditional procession of school banners, each representing the unique identity of the participating schools. A display of national flags followed, highlighting the importance of peace across our diverse and interconnected world. The celebration also included an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by Lana (Year 12), Dakota (Year 10) and Reagan (Grade Prep), who proudly represented their culture and acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the celebration took place.

This year’s theme was “Towards an Unarmed and Disarming Peace.” In the lead-up to the celebration, students from all participating schools wrote messages of peace and diversity on strips of coloured paper. These messages were then linked together to create a monumental chain, symbolising the schools’ united stance for peace and their shared hope for a more peaceful and inclusive world.

A highlight of the celebration was the Offertory Procession, led by Catholic College Sale’s tallest student alongside one of the youngest Prep students. Their participation beautifully symbolised the shared, intergenerational responsibility of building a more peaceful world.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennet, who encouraged students to recognise that peace begins within each of us. Addressing the students from Catholic College Sale and Catholic schools across Wellington Shire, Bishop Bennet said:

“We live in a world where so many millions of people – young and old – do not enjoy the peace, freedom and happiness we so often take for granted. As disciples of Jesus, we share in his life which transforms lives, heals hearts and unites all divisions. The love of Jesus does not confine us but truly opens our hearts to others.”

Developing the metaphor of brick walls, Bishop Greg held two bricks aloft in his hands as he spoke about the barriers that can divide people.

“Across our world, powerful world leaders build walls and barriers which prevent us from seeing or hearing the suffering of others. They prefer we did not look behind the walls they create in order that we do not see the plight of women, men and children or to hear their tears for justice. Your words and actions, dear students, can tear down the walls which divide us. In you we see such goodness, hope and kindness. You can truly change the world by choosing the way of peace.”

The combined choirs of Catholic College Sale and St Mary’s Sale helped create a beautiful atmosphere of celebration, reflection and peace. We were also pleased to welcome local dignitaries, representatives from Marist Schools Australia and DOSCEL, and the Sisters of Sion from Melbourne, who joined our school communities in prayer.

Another highlight of the day was the opening and blessing of the Marian Kitchen, an exciting new facility at Catholic College Sale. The facility is the culmination of many hours of planning and design over the past few years and reflects the College’s commitment to providing students with authentic learning opportunities. It is hoped that the restaurant will also open to members of the local community, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop their hospitality skills in a real-world setting.

Catholic College Sale sincerely thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s Peace Mass. We are proud to continue this meaningful tradition and reaffirm our commitment to fostering peace, hope and unity within our local community and beyond.