Next Sunday’s gospel (Matthew 18:21-35) is the story where Jesus tells His followers of the servant who was forgiven his debts and then went and demanded payment from another who owed him money. The master who had forgiven the original debt became angry and then demanded payment. The Gospel goes on to state “forgive your brother from your heart”. In reflecting on this Gospel, I am reminded of the reflection of St Teresa of Avila and her own thoughts on the section of the Our Father that states: Forgive us our debts as we forgive those who are indebted to us”. In a book written by Fr Aloysius Rego OCD, he explains that St Teresa makes a point of the fact that the prayer states “as we forgive” rather than “as we will forgive” (or even have forgiven). The focus of this is in the present. This forgiveness is not about what we might intend to do at some future point but what is in our hearts at the present moment. Forgiveness is not a philosophy or ideal, it is an action. As I have suggested previously, this does not mean that our behaviours do not have consequences but it does mean that we should consider how we act toward others and what we hold within our heart. As the Our Father prayer continues, how we forgive others we ask God to reflect in His treatment of us. This Gospel asks us to consider our relationships with others and the way that we might act within our daily lives.

Our Year 11 Student Representative Councillors underwent a leadership day last Wednesday. At this meeting, they looked at the purpose of Mount Carmel Catholic College as a place of learning and spiritual development. The students worked together and established a cohesive and effective team. Over the next week or so, we hope to announce the College Captains, Vice Captains and portfolio holders. Following this announcement, we will look to hold an induction ceremony which recognises the importance of these roles. Once again thank you to Ms Moore and Mr Lozelle for their work with the student leaders.

Last Tuesday we held the second Zoom based Parents and Friends’ meeting. This was once again an opportunity to hear what is happening around the College and to input into P & F ideas and discuss funding by the P & F of various College projects. I thank the parents who attend these meetings and provide valuable feedback. The last meeting for the year will be held next term on Tuesday November 10. We will announce as we get closer to this date whether it will be held on site or as a zoom meeting.

As we come to the end of term 3, our Year 12 students are nearing the end of their time at Mount Carmel Catholic College. We are planning a very limited ceremony for them to receive their graduation portfolios and will inform Year 12 parents of this as details are finalised early next week. Our best wishes are extended to our HSC students as they conclude their studies.

 Over the past few months, Bishop Brian had been celebrating Sunday Mass and livestreaming it. This stopped a few weeks ago, however, Bishop Brian has decided to reintroduce these online masses. These will be returning from this Sunday and can be accessed here.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio