Faith and Mission News – 4 August 2022

It’s been a busy week in the Faith and Mission life of the College. The beginning of the week saw the College rug up for Vinnies, raising over $2,000. Having spent all morning preparing, our wonderful VCAL students and their teachers provided delicious, hearty and warm soups for lunch – these were very welcome by the staff and students who were going through the day without heating!

During the day, students attended a ‘virtual’ assembly to acknowledge our Rug Up Day and the fact that it fell during Homeless Prevention Week. Each night in Australia, some 116,000 people are homeless. We tend to think of the homeless as those who are sleeping rough, but according to the latest census, rough sleepers make up only 7%. The remaining are in temporary accommodation (refuges, friends’ couches, boarding houses), all of which are precarious and often unsafe. The statistics make sobering reading when we understand the increasing number of women and children finding themselves homeless after fleeing violence in the home. Our fundraising goes to supporting organisations like Vinnies who are the ‘boots on the ground’ for the homeless.

Well done to all involved and for the generosity of our students in helping shine a spotlight on those in our communities who are doing it tough this winter.

Year 9 Ablaze 

On Tuesday, our Year 9s ventured to Ulumbarra Theatre for the Sandhurst Diocese ABLAZE worship presentation. Students were treated to music, testimonies and faith-sharing, along with other Catholic secondary schools in the region. Here’s some of what they said:

The lighting was cool… It was exciting… It was really inspirational… A good chance to be in school and have fun… Father Rob was a really good singer… The songs were upbeat and positive… It was good to be with the community after years of COVID… It was very engaging… The atmosphere was electric… It kept us moving… Energetic, inspiring, entertaining, exciting, inclusive, motivating… Yes Lord, Yes Lord Amen – the song was fun to sing and dance to… I enjoyed the experience as well as listening to stories of others who have learnt to open their hearts to God… Nice energetic atmosphere.

As we know, faith is meant to be shared and it was wonderful to see our Year 9s enjoy this faith experience. Well done to the Year 9 teachers and the Year 9 Level Leaders, Ms Jan Lake and Mr Jack Timmins, who were instrumental in the organisation of the morning.

Year 8 Mass Program

Wednesday saw us begin our Year 8 Mass Program. As a community of faith, the celebration of the Eucharist is integral. It is where we are open to encounter our God no matter who we are or where we are along our own journey of faith.  We are incredibly fortunate to be able to facilitate Mass in a more intimate setting – our Coolock Chapel. All Year 8 classes will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass before the end of term and we are indebted to Father Junray from St Kilian’s Parish, who will preside at each of the Masses.

Altar Servers Ministry – Sacred Heart Cathedral, St Monica’s Kangaroo Flat, St Joseph’s Quarry Hill

Our Cluster Parishes are looking for new altar servers. Recruitment is open for those who have received their Confirmation and First Eucharist and are willing to serve in the Church. Expressions of interest are most welcome. Please contact Fr DJ via email (dj.suguitan@sandhurst.catholic.org.au) or phone the Parish Office at 5443 4400.

Mr Michael Goss, Director of Faith and Mission