Diocesan Launch of World Mission Month – 18 September 2019

On Wednesday 18 September, students from Mount Carmel were presented with the opportunity to attend the Diocesan Launch of World Mission Month at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra. The day started off with a 7:30am departure from school for what would be a 2 hour drive, filled with the music of the Beatles, Queen and Elton John (Mr Teuma’s *amazing* playlist). We arrived at the venue by 9:30am and were greeted by the students and their principal, Mrs Sandra Hogan. As we entered their hall, we were given the opportunity to use a virtual reality headset which allowed us to experience the initiatives of Catholic Mission in Ghana and observe the conditions at the Nazareth Home for God’s Children. 

The mass began with an Indigenous performance as the acknowledgement of country which was truly exquisite and demonstrated a genuine sense of culture. Special guests included Fr Brian Lucas, the National Director of Catholic Mission, and Monsignor Thomas Ahoomoa, who spoke of the underprivileged conditions in Ghana and challenges encountered by the orphans, the impoverished, and the disabled. Monsignor Thomas Ahoomoa and Fr Brian Lucas presented each school of the diocese, across primary and secondary levels, with a traditional, hand-made musical instrument, the African Kiss Kass, as a token of appreciation. This instrument will be placed in our school library and showcased for all students to view. 

The Gospel and Homily of the mass were centred around the story of Jesus healing the leper (Mark 1:40-45). This story related closely to the issue of Ghana and Sister Stan’s involvement in establishing inclusivity of children who are out casted from society due to their disabilities or becoming orphans. The Monsignor described that the children would say, “Look at the gift they got for us,” following their journeys overseas for surgeries that were unable to be conducted in Ghana. He expressed that the children remained selfless and considered their peers, as Sister Stan has been able to create a place of education, but also a home in which they experience a sense of belonging, security and love. 

In saying this, we hope that if you come across an opportunity like this, do not ignore it. We encourage you to embrace it, taking the chance to experience the journey we did, including having a fun time while you’re at it. During this month, strive to make a difference in our local community to help make a positive impact in our world. In its simplest form, helping is kindness, and kindness is compassion, which Jesus taught us to demonstrate to our brothers and sisters. 

Sonali Singh, Charmaine Marquinez, Noah Stuart, Brayden Quinn