Faith & Mission News – 5 May 2022
05/05/2022Staff Spirituality Day
On Tuesday 25 April, all College staff participated in a Spirituality Day. The day’s focus was on ‘connection’ – connection with one another, our College theme of ‘Walking together in hope’, our community and our planet.
The day commenced with mass celebrated by Fr DJ and Fr Brian. Following mass, our staff enjoyed a presentation from our keynote speaker, Sr Liz Dowling. Sr Liz, taking a line from the Gospel reading, Proclaim the Good News to all creation, challenged us to create a ‘flourishing humanity on a thriving planet’ (from Elizabeth Johnson, Ask the Beasts). Sr Liz drew connections between the disempowered Irish of Catherine McAuley’s Ireland and the continued impact of white colonisation on our indigenous people. Catherine’s response to the needs and injustices of people in her time challenges us to respond to needs and injustice in our world today. It was a powerful presentation that will continue to resonate with us.
Following Sr Liz’s presentation, staff then moved through a series of workshops, each focussing on a different aspect of ‘connection’. Workshops included our College’s reGEN approach and response to more sustainable living, learning from our Karen community, building connections with our First Nations peoples through cultural sharing, listening and dialogue, and, learning Wayapa movement as a way of connecting us to country. Fr Brian led a workshop to explore the source text for our College theme ‘Walking together in hope’, which is based on the Gospel of Luke’s Road to Emmaus story where the disciples encounter the resurrected Jesus.
We are very grateful to have been given the opportunity to spend time together as a community of faith.
Caritas Day Fundraising
The Caritas Day on the final day of Term 1 raised in excess of $4900. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by our students and staff in a range of fundraising activities and a hearty barbeque. Well done to all our students and families for their generous support of the day.
Anzac Day Commemorations
On Wednesday 28 April, students gathered at both campuses to commemorate Anzac Day. Student leaders led the readings and prayers of the services.
At St Mary’s, the commemoration service began with one of our reGEN Captains, Isabella Rossi, sharing her reflections on attending the Anzac Day service. Click below to read Bella’s moving reflection.
Anzac Day Reflection by Isabella Rossi
Liam Truscott (Year 10) provided the accompaniment for the Last Post and Reveille. The moving service continues to remind us of our work in creating a more peaceful world while at the same time, acknowledging the enormous sacrifice of our defence forces in maintaining the freedom that we all enjoy.
Well done to all our students for their respectful attention throughout the services.
Year 12 Class Masses begin this week
Over the coming weeks, all Year 12 Living Mercy classes will have the opportunity to celebrate a Class Mass. The mass is at the heart of Catholic worship, where we recognise that Jesus is truly present with us. The celebration of a Class Mass is a significant occasion as it acknowledges who we are as a Catholic school community and at the same time allows students and their teachers to spend time together in reflection and prayer. Students will help organise and lead the various roles in the mass. Most masses will be held in the beautiful St Mary’s Chapel and will be celebrated by Father Brian Boyle or Father DJ.
Fundraising Focus
The focus for fundraising in Term 2 is Vinnies. Throughout the term, students will be able to participate in a number of activities that will draw attention to the wonderful work of the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) as well as raise awareness of the many people in our community who rely on the services of Vinnies for their day-to-day needs. We’ll look forward to sharing news of these events with our community throughout the term.
Mother’s Day Prayer
This Sunday, we acknowledge the extraordinary work of our Mums in nurturing us and providing for us. Wishing all our Mums a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Lord Jesus Christ, You chose to put yourself—tiny, needy and helpless—into the nurturing and watchful hands of a human mother. Since then, every act of mothering, both physical and spiritual, in every time and every corner of the world recollects Mary’s. Inspired by this example, we, too, honour our mothers and mother figures today. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as mothers and nurturers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, honour them always with a spirit of profound respect.
We ask this in your holy name. Amen.
(Prayer from Diocese of Wollongong)
Mr Michael Goss, Director of Faith and Mission
