At the heart of Damascus College’s vibrant Catholic culture is Anna Power, our Liturgy Coordinator whose warmth, creativity, and deep faith have already made a meaningful impression since she joined the College in early 2025.

Anna’s role at Damascus is a natural extension of her life’s journey, one deeply rooted in Catholic faith and a passion for children’s ministry and youth education. She is part of the Catholic Culture team and works closely with students in Youth Ministry and Religious Education classes, bringing both experience and genuine care to every interaction.

Prior to joining Damascus College, Anna’s career spanned multiple roles and countries. With a background in speech and drama, she has taught elocution and led youth ministry retreats in both Australia and Canada. Her time overseas also included earning a Diploma in Sacred Studies from a Catholic Bible college in Canada, an experience that has helped shape her spiritual and educational philosophy.

For Anna, the best part of working at Damascus College is the students. “They’re open, enthusiastic, talented, just great all around,” she says. That joy in working with young people is evident in her contributions to school life and her efforts to make liturgy meaningful and accessible.

Working in a faith-based environment is particularly important to Anna. “My Catholic faith is a cornerstone of my life, it is part of everything I do,” she shares. “To be able to work in a Catholic school where I can share that in a real and tangible way is a blessing.”

As Liturgy Coordinator, Anna leads the preparation and coordination of school liturgies. From intimate prayer gatherings to large-scale celebrations such as Damascus Day and Mother’s Day. Drawing on her lived faith and creative background, she is looking forward to collaborating more with other departments across the school, including Music, Art, and Drama, to bring future events to life.

One of her most cherished liturgies this year was the Way of the Cross at Easter. “It was simple but powerful. The students were reverent and brave. There was a really special atmosphere in the room—quiet, respectful, and moving,” she recalls.

To Anna, liturgy plays a vital role in shaping the culture of Damascus College. “Life is loud and fast,” she says. “Prayer grounds us. It reminds us that we’re with God and with each other. In a Catholic college, prayer isn’t just tradition, it’s essential. It’s something we want our students to experience deeply and take with them throughout their lives.”

Student involvement is central to Anna’s approach. “I love liturgies to be student-led. When we give young people roles and trust them, they rise to the occasion. It gives them ownership and pride in their work and allows them to achieve their best.”

Anna also brings creativity into liturgies, especially those that aren’t Eucharistic celebrations. Her background in drama comes in handy here and helps with incorporating poetry or skits to spark reflection and allow students and staff to connect more deeply.

When asked how her work aligns with the values of Damascus College, Anna is clear: “It’s about always returning to prayer and grounding ourselves in Christ and each other. That’s at the heart of what we do.”

For Anna, this year's College theme of Respect is most visible in how people treat one another. “Respect means making choices that consider others, not just yourself. It’s about putting others’ needs before your own, in big and small ways, and hoping they do the same for you.”

Outside of school, Anna’s life is just as vibrant, she is a member of the St Aloysius parish and the proud mother of seven children, ranging from 4 to 19 years old. It’s a fact that often surprises her colleagues and students, who may not realize just how much wisdom and patience she brings from her home life into her professional one.

Her personal inspiration comes from the lives of saints—role models whose virtues and struggles guide her work. “They remind me to look for the unique dignity in every person,” she says. That perspective influences everything she does, from the way she plans liturgies to how she interacts with students.

Anna’s advice for current and future students is heartfelt and empowering: “Be brave. Don’t be timid when it comes to making the decisions in life that really matter. Back yourself. And always—always—leave room for God in everything you do.”