St. Thomas' Opening School Mass 2026 – A Community Filled with Hope

Feb 16
1 min read

Last Sunday, 15 February 2026, St Thomas' School began the new academic year in the best possible way, gathered around the altar. The church was truly packed to the rafters, with school families and parishioners filling every seat, a beautiful sign of the strong partnership between parish and school.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Roger Delmonte, with the choir led by the St Thomas’ School teachers, whose joyful singing lifted the entire congregation. Students confidently proclaimed the readings and served at the altar, beautifully reminding us that this is truly their community of faith.

In his homily, Fr. Roger reflected on the unique sense of hope that comes with a new school year: fresh books, clean pages, and new possibilities. Drawing from Sirach and the Gospel, he reminded us that beyond opportunity lies something deeper: choice. God invites us to choose goodness, not minimally, but wholeheartedly. Catholic education, he said, is not about ticking boxes but about becoming people of honesty, courage, and integrity from within. He challenged students, staff, and families alike to move beyond “minimum effort Christianity” and ask instead: Who is God calling me to be?

Following Mass, Principal Mrs. Enrica Bova addressed the community, affirming the school’s commitment to faith, excellence, and character formation. The Badge Ceremony and Leadership Pledge marked a proud and meaningful moment for student leaders.

The celebrations concluded with a joyful barbecue across the parish and school grounds, a fitting expression of a community united in faith, hope, and shared mission for 2026.