This weekend’s gospel (Mark 1: 1-8) is one of the rare times where the evangelist actually quotes the Old Testament that we read as the first reading (Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11). The main phrase is: “A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord”. In last week’s newsletter, I spoke of the fact that Advent is the season where we prepare for the celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Jesus. This phrase reflects the same theme, however, is clearer in its directive. Whilst the Old Testament and the gospel of St Mark are interpreted as referring to John the Baptist spreading the message of the coming of Jesus, we should be reflecting on how we are currently preparing for Christ’s coming. Not just at Christmas and not just as an idea, but specifically in our actions and lives. Leaving aside the Christmas present shopping and the preparation of our Christmas lunch, how are we reflecting on the message of Jesus and changing what we do in our relationships with others. This is one of the best ways to ‘prepare a way for the Lord’.

This week we have once again witnessed some of the many achievements of our students throughout 2023. We began with the Art Show which was held on Tuesday evening in the Champagnat Centre. This showcase highlighted the many talents of our students both juniors and seniors and the incredible efforts that they have contributed to their artworks. There were a number of awards presented on the evening and the displays reflected the high expectations from both staff and students. We were able to also congratulate the Visual Arts staff for their contribution and support of the students – well done.

From Tuesday to Thursday, Our College Captains travelled down to Mittagong to enter into a Leadership Retreat with Bishop Brian Mascord and the school leaders from each of the nine secondary schools within the Wollongong Diocese. The students spent the days reflecting on what leadership means in a Catholidc School Context. On Thursday, they then presented to all, including the nine principals, how their school displays the charism of their faith. Our students followed this up in a practical way with a plan of how they would put our beliefs into actions. Congratulations to Gloria, Jacob, Janita and Matias and to Ms Gardiner who supported them.

This morning, we gathered as a community to recognise our exceptional athletes and their achievements throughout 2023. These included the age champions for each of the College carnivals as well as students who have made Wollongong Diocese and Combined Catholic Colleges teams. Not only was it impressive as to the level to which our students performed, but also the number who had achieved a performance of note. Congratulations to all these students.

This evening a number of our students will be travelling to Magdalene to participate in the inaugural Macfest. This is a spirituality gathering of the Macarthur Diocesan schools where they all be given an opportunity to stop and pray as well as discern where they are on their own spiritual journey. We were honoured to have a special request for our cultural dancers to perform on the evening and I look forward to being there for this. Again, congratulations to all the students who have opted to be part of this.

Given all of this, it would truly be remiss of me not to acknowledge the many, many staff who make these types of events possible. Everyone from the administrative support, to coaches, and teachers who fill in for roles where others are occupied, the opportunities for students would not be possible without this dedication and support. Thank you to the staff who continually go above and beyond to ensure that Mount Carmel is a Christ-centred community which provides opportunities for excellence.

Mr Steve Lo Cascio