Homily: Year 11 Farewell Mass

Gospel: John 10:11-16

Dear brothers and sisters, dear students, and especially our Year 11s preparing to step into leadership! I feel proud of seeing all gathered here in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks words that are deeply personal and powerful: “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.” He describes two kinds of guides—one who runs away when things get difficult, and one who stays, protects, supports, and sacrifices for those entrusted to him.

This Gospel is not just about Jesus alone. It is about us—especially you, Year 11. Because next year, whether you feel ready or not, you become the leaders of this College. The younger students will look to you. The tone of the hallways, the respect in the classrooms, the spirit of Servite College—will be shaped by the kind of shepherds you choose to be.

Now, let us be clear: to lead does not simply mean to have a badge, a title, or a role. Anyone can wear a badge. Jesus shows us that leadership is not about authority. It is about responsibility.

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Shepherd Here at Servite?

Jesus says the Good Shepherd knows his sheep. A shepherd listens, notices, and cares.

In the same way, as senior students:
• Notice the Year 7 who looks lost.
• Notice the student eating alone.
• Notice the friend who seems quiet when they are usually full of laughter.
• Notice the person others ignore.
A good shepherd does not walk past.
A good shepherd sees.
A good shepherd steps in.

The Seven Holy Founders — Shepherds of Compassion

Our Servite identity traces back to the Seven Holy Founders, seven ordinary men in 13th-century Florence who saw something wrong in their community. Their city was torn apart by rivalry, violence, and division. People were hurting. Many looked away.
But the Seven did something different.
They noticed.
They cared.
They listened to the cries of their people.
They did not run away like the hired hand.
They responded like the Good Shepherd.
They formed a community rooted in fraternity, compassion, and service, placing their lives under the care of Mary, the Mother who stays.

The Servite Way of Shepherding
We are not just any school. We are Servites — Servants of Mary. And our Servite Charism offers us a very concrete way of being good shepherds:

1. Community.
You are called to build a College where every student feels they belong.
Say hello. Invite others in. Stop gossip before it spreads.
Create unity, not division.

2. Service.
Leadership is not being served — it is serving.
Carry chairs after assemblies. Help pack up. Tutor a younger student.
Simple acts. Quiet acts. Servite acts.

3. Compassion.
The Good Shepherd’s heart is gentle.
Listen before you judge. Stand up for the bullied.
Choose kindness even when it is not popular.

4. Devotion to Mary.
Mary stood at the Cross. She stayed when others ran.
Servite leadership means staying with others in their difficulties —
not abandoning them when things get tough.
Being a Good Shepherd is choosing to stand by others, especially when it costs you something.

The Herd Needs Shepherds — Not Bystanders
Jesus also describes the hired hand — the one who runs away when the wolf appears.
In your world, the “wolf” may be:
• peer pressure,
• cruelty online,
• exclusion,
• disrespect,
• or choosing silence when something wrong is happening.
The hired hand says, “Not my problem.”
The Good Shepherd says, “This is my community. I will care for it.”
Never underestimate the influence you already have. You do not need to be a College Captain to be a leader. You just need to choose to care.

A Word of Congratulations and Pride
Year 11, you have already shown remarkable growth in your time at Servite.
We have seen:
• your resilience in challenges,
• your willingness to learn,
• your growing maturity,
• your friendships which lift one another,
• and your increasing sense of responsibility in the College community.
You have stepped forward in leadership in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, in service projects, retreats, and prayer.
You have already been shaping the culture of this College — and we are proud of who you are becoming.
So today, we do not simply send you forward.
We affirm you.
We encourage you.
We believe in you.

So Year 11 — What Kind of Shepherd Will You Be?
Next year:
When you walk through these gates, the younger students will watch how you treat others.
When you speak, they will learn how to speak.
When you show respect, they will follow.
When you choose compassion, they will believe compassion matters.
You are stepping into a role Jesus takes very seriously — and one he trusts you with.

May you be shepherds after the heart of Christ.
May you be Servites after the example of Mary.
And may you lead this College community with courage, compassion, and love.

Remember: We all have got ONE LIFE – ONE CHANCE – ONE MOMENT – and let us live it for our ONE GOD

Amen.