FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C

First Reading  Acts 14:21-27  Paul and Barnabas journey extensively, returning to Antioch.

Second Reading  Rv 21:1-5  John sees a new Jerusalem.

Gospel  Jn 13:31-35  Jesus issues a new commandment, love one another.

Let us remember when we take care of others, we are sharing our love for them.

As we lead up to our Champagnat Day celebrations, each Monday morning, we begin the week with prayer. The focus of these prayers is the Marist Characteristics.

Thanks to the Youth Ministry Leaders who are writing these prayers and leading the College in prayer.

We commenced with In the Way of Mary, then in Week 4 it is Simplicity, Week 5 Family Spirit, Week 6 Presence and the final week is Love of Work.

You might be wondering what these characteristics mean. These characteristics are ideals that all Marists - students and adults alike, commit to.

Below is a summary of the five characteristics:

In the Way of Mary… seeing Mary as a perfect model of being Marist, tender, strong, constant in faith, open to God’s calling us to our own journey of discipleship

Simplicity… being straightforward and genuine, humble and modest, ‘doing good quietly’

Family Spirit… relating to each other as members of a loving family, building community, offering the warmth of welcoming, acceptance and belonging, sharing our successes and failures, setting clear standards of honesty, mutual respect, and tolerance

Presence… caring for each other, seeking relationships founded on love, being attentive and welcoming with a sense of openness

Love of Work… being generous of heart, constant, and persevering in our daily work, confident, visionary, decisive in meeting the needs of our community, and encouraging each other to discover the dignity of our work with young people and with each other

Year 12 Retreat Article

By Shania Menezes

 The “Year 12 Retreat”

An event spoken about by all those lucky enough to experience it. An event that has been heard about through each school year that has come and gone. It was something that the 2022 graduating class had no hope for, as COVID posed an obstacle. However, due to the effort of the teachers and other staff, especially that of Mrs Meharg, our grade was able to take a break from stress to make memories with those we grew up with.

The retreat was about creating bonds. It was about looking at the people around you and realising that each of them carry burdens that have shaped them into who they are today. We came to understand that it is the struggles and achievements that we have lived through that have given us our names.

The retreat was a time of vulnerability and reflection, where perceptions of those once disliked or avoided have been changed into ones of understanding and acceptance. It was a time of storytelling, and although no one told their full story, the blurb of their life journey was enough to invite the memory of the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”. However, this was only achieved through the effort of each student and for that I am thankful.

There were also times of laughter and times to create memories with those we hold dear. We had no reason to think of all the stresses plaguing our lives as we enjoyed the opportunity to relax, surrounded by the beautiful nature around us. It was freeing in a way, being away from our phones and, as a result, loosening the hold that a technologically-dependent society has on us, even just for a few days. We were able to enjoy our free time breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the moments together.

The retreat allowed us to create many fond memories with those that we wouldn’t have thought possible. We learnt what our names meant and what other peoples’ names meant and through we got a glimpse of the stories that are untold.

Year 10 Catholic Studies Vocations Panel

Currently, Year 10 are studying the unit Sacraments of Service, with a specific focus on Marriage and Holy Orders. To enrich their learning, we were able to convene a panel to discuss this area and answer questions that the students have raised.

Today, Year 10 was blessed to hear the stories of Vocations from Sister Berna, Father Dwayne, and Alyce and Joel Duval. 

We are thankful for each of them sharing their stories about their life and their vocations

Mrs Christine Meharg
REC Coordinator