Our History & Ethos
missionaries of the sacred heart (msc)
Downlands College is owned and conducted by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), alongside a committed group of teachers and support staff. The College was opened in 1931 as a boarding school for boys with a total enrolment of 68. Today, it is fully co-educational, with more than 1200 day and boarding students from all parts of Queensland and beyond.
Downlands recognises that it is in the family that young people gain their basic values and ideals about life. As such, the College is a vital, diverse community within which each individual student is accepted, challenged and assisted to fully develop the goodness of their own gifts and aspirations.
Enriched by the contributions of all and respecting each individual’s rights and qualities, the College stresses that all must share the life and ideals of the Downlands community. The growth of both community and individuals is enhanced by openness, empathy, perseverance, a sense of responsibility, friendliness and humour.
Downlands provides opportunities to students and staff for individual and group religious experiences, in the Catholic tradition. The MSC spirituality of the Heart that has been handed on to us by the MSC Priests and Brothers who were Downlands early staff, permeates College life and sets the standard in all we do.
Jules Chevalier had a vision of a new world emerging, and he wanted to make known the Gospel message of God’s love and care for all men and women and to evoke a response in every human heart. He especially valued love, concern, compassion, understanding, respect and acceptance of every individual. His vision was based on the words of Jesus, “I give you a new commandment, love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another. By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” [John 13:34 ff]
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) believe nothing is more important than the saving power of God’s love. The MSC believes if people come to experience God's love, gentleness, kindness and compassion, they will have hope, meaning and purpose in their lives.
The initials MSC come from the Latin Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis. The Priests and Brothers of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are known as MSC (from the Latin Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis).
Father Vince Carroll, MSC, was appointed the MSC presence and College Priest at Downlands in January 2019.
Fr Vince hails from Taroom and was a boarder at Downlands (1953-56). He returned to the College as a teacher of Geography and Religious Education (1976-82) and as College Chaplain in 1993. More recently, Fr. Vince worked in the MSC Mission in Ofcolaco, South Africa. We are truly blessed to have Fr. Vince amongst us at Downlands.
Ms Andrea Collins, Assistant Principal – Mission, has been charged with maintaining the strong MSC presence at the College. Our commitment to the education of the heart envelops everything we do at Downlands.
Sacramental Program at Downlands: Nurturing Faith and Community
In 2019, Downlands unveiled a groundbreaking Sacramental Program exclusively designed for students in the Junior School. This comprehensive program encompasses the vital preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
Embodying our commitment to living as a unified family and community, this program deepens our faith formation. Through the Sacraments, we strengthen our unwavering belief that God's presence is constant and ubiquitous. We encounter the divine in the people we meet, the wonders of nature, and even the simplicity of everyday life.
The journey of our Sacramental Program commenced with a focus on Reconciliation during Term 1. Subsequently, our students eagerly participated in dedicated sessions to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. On the momentous evening of Wednesday, 22 May, under the guidance of Bishop Robert McGuckin, nine students joyfully received this sacrament. The final highlight of our program will be the meaningful celebration of the First Eucharist in the sacred confines of the Downlands Chapel on 23 June, presided over by Fr Vince Carroll.
Undoubtedly, our Junior School Sacramental Program has ignited immense enthusiasm within the Downlands community. It serves not only as a springboard for the spiritual growth of our young students but also as a unifying force, bringing our community closer together.
