This Sunday is the feast of Pentecost. As you may recall, last Sunday we celebrated the Ascension where Jesus rose to heaven. Following that event, the apostles entered a period of discernment and uncertainty and the readings tell us that they were huddled in a room unsure of what they would do and fearing for their future. We are also told in that at one point “something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire … they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2: 1-11). In the Gospel, Jesus appears to them whilst they are in the room and He then commissions them to go out; “As the Father sent me, so I am sending you” (John 20: 19-23). 

We may have been fortunate enough to have experienced something similar in our own lives: A point where we suddenly become relaxed with our situation and we have a new clarity around what is happening and what we need to do next. We sometimes might refer to this as an epiphany. When the apostles experienced this, they suddenly understood what needed to be done and immediately went outside and did it. They had the gift of speech where those listening could suddenly understand what was being said. In our own situation, the commissioning to go out might be achieved in the small everyday actions and interactions that we have with others. When we treat others as Christ would have treated us, we are bringing Jesus to others and are helping to make Him known and loved.

On Tuesday morning, the College captains joined me on a short site visit past the STEM building and onto the new senior girls’ toilet block. It was important for them to get a sense of what stage the construction is currently at and how they might contribute ideas around how the new block might be used and accessed. There was a genuine appreciation for the work that is occurring and they were able to make some good suggestions around future amenities around the College.

Tomorrow our staff will be involved in our annual Spiritual Formation Day. This year our theme is “Created and Called” which is the 2023 theme of Marist Schools Australia. Whilst I understand the imposition that a pupil free day has on our families, the importance of the centrality of Christ within our community cannot be overstated. Mount Carmel is a Christ-centred community which provides opportunities for excellence. The Christ-centredness needs to be maintained and nourished actively and deliberately. It is one of the things that helps to make us who we are and what we are, and our formation days assist us in achieving this. I thank all parents and students for your support in this and congratulate Mrs Meharg on a well-planned and delivered day for the staff.

Last Tuesday we held our Term 2 P&F meeting. Thank you to Mrs Clare Murphy who made a presentation on Literacy at Mount Carmel and evoked a number of thoughts around the importance of reading and contemplation. These meetings take a very informal approach but enable valuable discussion and consultation around what we are doing at the College. Thank you as always to the parents who braved the cooler weather to be part of this meeting and assist with their input.

Ite in Veritate

Mr Steve Lo Cascio