The timeless tradition of singing Christmas carols, an integral part of the celebration of Christmas within the Church, hallowed the walls of the College Chapel on Sunday night, 15 December. The evening featured a symphony of sounds from a live orchestra, enchanting soloists, and the ever-impressive College choir, bringing joy to all present. With Council member and Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, Most Rev Bishop Richard Umbers DD VG leading the service, the event was a stunning celebration to prepare us for Christmas. The College Chapel was filled with guests, students, staff, and alumni, all joining in the rich and sacred traditions of Christmas through beautiful music and prayer.

The string section led by our College Rector conducting on the night.

College cellist Suzannah Keene along with staff member Will Tu also on cello.

(Left to right): Juliette Di Bello and Dean of Students Mary-Jean O'Doherty leading the singing.

Final year Medical student Jason Chami on violin.

Bishop Richard Umbers leading all in prayer.

This year’s event, which was a complete sell-out, marked a significant milestone for our College. Not only did it bring together our community in the spirit of Christmas, but it also helped to build our new regional/rural scholarship, created through the fundraising efforts of our 1950s and '60s alumni, led by Kerry Pidcock.

On behalf of myself and our other College Council Members present on the night including the Chair of the Council Mr John Coorey, Deputy Chair Mr David Pacey, Judge Gerard Phillips, and Bishop Richard Umbers, a special greeting was extended to all attendees by Second-Year College student and 2024 Rawson Rugby Secretary Tom Bull.

Our key guests included:

• The Honourable Justice James Stevenson, Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW and their Honours Arthur and Sylvia Emmett and John Sackar;
• The Honourable Peter McGauran, former Federal Member of Parliament and Chair of the Australian Turf Club;
• Mr David Mortimer, former Chair of Opera Australia;
• Dr Robin Beryl Fitzsimons, Fellow of the Senate of the University of Sydney;
• Ms Alison Renwick, Vice-President, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW;
• Mr Shaun Cousins, Chair of the College Foundation;
• Mr Paul Dellow, President of the College Alumni Association;
• Ms Fiona Hastings, Principal of Sancta Sophia College;
• Dr Tiffany Donnelly, Principal of The Women's College.

The carol service was a powerful celebration of the rich traditions that make St John’s College so special. Our College Choir was led by Mr Richard Perrignon, whose leadership has been instrumental in bringing the choir to new heights this year. The choir’s dedication and passion were on full display!

College tutor Mark Valpini on cello.

I also want to express my deep gratitude to the evening’s soloists:

• Diego Torre, our College friend and internationally acclaimed tenor, who joined our students and graced us with his remarkable voice.
• Mary-Jean O'Doherty, College soprano and Dean of Students, whose leadership has made a profound impact on our College music program.
• Juliette Di Bello, soprano, recently returned from New York, who led our "Sydney Sings" concert at the College last month.
• Robbie Emmet, our talented choir member, who also dazzled us with certain carols on the night.

Tenor Diego Torre leading in song.

Mary-Jean O'Doherty, College mezzo soprano and Dean of Students.

Juliette Di Bello, soprano and organiser of Sydney Sings College concert, 2024.

Baritone Robbie Emmet, College Choir member.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came from Abi Schembri, who, at just eleven years old, delivered a beautiful rendition of "Silent Night", captivating everyone with her angelic voice.

Eleven-year-old Abigail Schembri singing "Silent Night".

Abi being led by her father in "Silent Night".

Our readers on the night included:

• Bryn Edwards, Second-Year Student
• Lauren Whiting, 2025 College Co-House President 
• Thomas Bull, 2024 Rawson Rugby Secretary
• Mr John Coorey, Chairman of College Council
• Judge Gerard Phillips, President of the Personal Injury Commission
• Sr Dr Maliya Suen RSM MD, Religious Sisters of Mercy/GP
• Fr Richard Waddell, Fellow of St John’s College

Mr John Coorey, Chairman of College Council.

Sr Dr Maliya Suen RSM MD, Religious Sisters of Mercy/General Practitioner.

Fr Richard Waddell, Fellow of St John's College reading the Gospel.

I would also like to extend my thanks to our College priests present that evening, Fr Richard Waddell and Fr Joseph Gedeon, for their dedicated support of the College’s spiritual life throughout 2024.

(Left to right): Fr Joseph Gedeon and Fr Richard Waddell.

As the event concluded, we all stood together for the final prayer, a moment of reflection on the true meaning of Christmas, and the spirit of unity and generosity it inspires within our community.

After the event the community gathered in front of the Christmas trees and crib for supper.

I would like to express my deep appreciation for the hard work of the College musicians, choir, and the soloists, and all the volunteers who made the evening possible. We look forward to doing it all again at next year’s Christmas Carols service and wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas.

May God bless you all this Christmas season.

Dr Mark Schembri 
Rector

(Left to right): Students Lauren Whiting and Matilda Harvey with their mothers Susan Whiting and Denise Harvey.

(Left to right): Mary-Jean O'Doherty and College Music student Alyssa Natawardaya.

College Music students John Paul Foong and Joseph Foong with Diego Torre.

Sarah Schembri with Mark and Mary Langrell.

College Counsellor Dr Matt Lennon and his son Raphael and wife Gabby.

The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Camperdown.

The Rector and his family with Bishop Umbers.