On Wednesday 12 August 2026, students from across Auckland gathered for the annual Caring Mass and Awards hosted by the Catholic Caring Foundation. Celebrated by Bishop Steve Lowe at Christ the King Parish in Owairaka, the liturgy also brought together Catholic teachers, whānau, and supporting charity agencies from across Auckland. The purpose of this special Mass is to recognise the ‘community of givers’ who share a core commitment to supporting the poor and vulnerable in our society.
It was a particularly special day of connection for our students, who were delighted to see familiar faces from their former primary schools and community organisations, including Vinnies, which was recognised as one of the outstanding charity agencies receiving an award this year.
Six of our own Sancta Maria College student leaders were nominated for the prestigious Caring Award this year. Recognised for their outstanding care, faith, and dedication to service, they continuously live out the school’s Special Character.
Our 2026 Caring Award Recipients:
- Gavin Israel (Service Prefect): Nominated for his hands-on dedication to local families experiencing hardship. Alongside Andrea, Joshua, and Jehaziel, Gavin serves as a Vinnies leader organizing essential food bank packing and meal preparation. He also coordinates student groups for the Young Vinnies Rest Home visits, bringing vital connection and joy to the elderly.
- Andrea Araza (Service Prefect): Gained recognition for her work guiding our school community toward justice and outreach. Actively leading as a Caritas and Vinnies Leader, Andrea also ensures our Special Character events run smoothly behind the scenes by balancing her responsibilities as an AV Leader for events both in and outside of school.
- Joshua Ernstzen (Deputy Head Prefect – Special Character): Recognised for his exceptional spiritual and pastoral leadership across multiple communities. At school, Joshua assists in organising liturgies and acts as a Caritas and Vinnies Leader. He also extends his service heavily into the wider community as a YFC NICON Conference Camp Head, a St Mark’s Youth Leader, and a dedicated Eucharistic Minister and Minister of the Word for both school and church.
- Jehaziel Meer (Deputy Head Prefect – Special Character): Awarded for her extensive assistance with school masses, Vinnies food bank sessions, hospice outreach, and Special Character Week. She also collaborates with the National Evangelisation Team and helped host the Auckland Catholic schools’ Pompallier Shield competition.
- Kael Marie Sunga: Acknowledged for her commitment to both liturgical and cultural leadership. Kael serves our school as a Eucharistic Minister and Minister of the Word during significant liturgies, while also participating in the Caritas committee. She beautifully balances these ministries with her prefect duties, school productions, and dance and cultural groups.
- Andrew Nuamaan: Commended for his genuine spirit of generosity and dedication as Youth Ministry leader, Andrew participates in the Alpha Youth Leader program, supports Young Vinnies rest home visits, and volunteers at the Cultural Festival to celebrate our community’s diversity. He further serves the wider parish as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister.
A huge congratulations to Gavin, Andrea, Joshua, Jehaziel, Kael, and Andrew for exemplifying the true spirit of generosity and leading our student body by such a fine example.
