Xavier Catholic College

Xavier Catholic College, Ballina, New South Wales, was founded in 2000.

The College takes its name from St Francis Xavier, a Jesuit priest who evangelized Asia and the Pacific. Together with Mary Help of Christians, he is the patron saint of Australia. St Francis studied at the University of Paris where he met St Ignatius of Loyola and became one of the seven who founded the Society of Jesus and the Jesuits.

Houses

Ignatius - Green, Redford - Red, MacKillop - Yellow, Macauley - Pink, Nagle - Blue, Foley - White

Ignatius House

St Ignatius Loyola founded the Jesuit order of priests. He gave up his wealthy lifestyle to live an existence of poverty and devotion to God. He was the founder of Ignatian spirituality and devoted his life to the Greater Glory of God. The Ignatius house aims to act with charity, humility and dignity in all aspects of College life. The House colour is Green.

Redford House

Redford house is named after Dean Redford who was the fourth Parish Priest of Ballina from 1964 to 1986. You may recognise that Redford Drive is dedicated to his memory and the school itself has named the arts and technology centre after him. Redford house embodies the characteristics of service, endurance and forgiveness. The house colour is Red.

Nagle House

Nano Nagle believed that education was the way for a person to make change in their life. She was an advocate of the poor. In 1775 she founded the congregation of the Presentation Sisters and became known as the 'woman of the welcoming heart'. Members of Nagle House endeavour to act in a spirit of selflessness, determination and devotion - traits that characterised their patron. The house colour is Royal Blue.

Mackillop House

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the patron of Mackillop House, was canonised in 2010. She co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866 and believed in education for the poor and underprivileged. Mackillop House is guided by Mary's saying 'never see a need without doing something about it'. The House colour is Gold.

McCauley House

Catherine McAuley established the first Mercy congregation in Ireland in 1831. Throughout her life Catherine dedicated herself to helping the poor, offering hope and essential services for the underprivileged and socially disadvantaged. McCauley House was established in 2009 with the original members endeavouring to follow the ideals of its patron - to strive for success and embrace every opportunity enthusiastically but with compassion, charity and justice at the centre of our action. The House colour is Pink.

Foley House

Father Richard Foley was Parish Priest of Ballina during the foundation of the College. Father Richard is still very active in the area now working at Coraki. Father Richard is famous for his generosity to the underprivileged and has dedicated himself to the service of other. Foley House hopes to emulate his model of service and dedication. The House colour is White.

References