Faith & Mission News

Welcome Evening

Last week Year 7 students and families were welcomed into the Coolock community. Mass was a beautiful celebration in McAuley Square with students involved during the Mass and in the planning.  It was a great opportunity for Fr Junray to join our community and lead the celebration of the Eucharist. Fr Junray is new to Bendigo this year and we look forward to him becoming a regular visitor in our community.

Ash Wednesday Liturgy

Father Rob joined our community for Ash Wednesday liturgies at both Coolock and St Mary’s. Fr Rob blessed the Ashes and spoke of how this powerful sign reminds us that we are fragile people and that we are not perfect. It reminds us that we are called to be people of kindness, care and compassion – towards our land, with each other and with our God.

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT

Today, we commit ourselves to taking a Lenten journey. 

We commit ourselves to being more prayerful.

We commit ourselves to living simpler lives.

We commit ourselves to sharing with those who are in need.

As a community, we make a special promise to work for peace and to support Project Compassion as a sign of bringing hope to people in need.

During this time of Lent, we recognise the work of Caritas through Project Compassion. Caritas is an international aid and development organisation working with people and families across the globe, giving them unconditional support through training and development.

Students across the College are asked to make a commitment to Caritas, raising awareness about the work of Caritas and the injustices in our world. Please take time to read Thandolwayo’s story below. This story and others can be viewed on the Caritas website: https://lent.caritas.org.au/page/week-1.

First Sunday of Lent – 10 March 2019

Twelve-year-old Thandolwayo would walk seven kilometres each day to collect contaminated water for her family. It looked like she would never realise her hope of finishing her education and becoming a nurse, until a Caritas Australia supported project created access to clean water helping Thandolwayo to stay at school and achieve a future full of hope.

Please donate to Project Compassion 2019 and to provide clean water and a future full of hope for vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.

Lives change when we all give 100%.