Living with Strength and       Kindliness

With Parent Student Teacher interviews this week, it is timely to reflect on the College theme for the year “Purposeful todays transform tomorrow’.

As reports are read and conversations about progress have been had, we can all ask ourselves these questions: What did I do in Term 1 that was purposeful? What habits have I created that will help transform my learning (tomorrow)?

It is also important to apply this motto to the overarching value for 2018 from Kildare Ministries - the value of  “HOPE”.

How do my day-to-day actions help to transform the tomorrow of myself, and others, through a sense of hope. As I go through each day what do I do to keep a candle of hope burning in my own heart and do I allow a candle of hope to burn in others? It is a bit like asking “Where did I find Jesus today, and where would others say they saw Jesus in my actions today?”

Our College prides itself on using the teachings of Jesus as a guide for our actions and decisions. If you were to visit the Religious Education classes you would see these teachings coming to life through the work being done on the Catholic Social Teachings, which is happening across the Year 7 to 10 classes. The CST remind us of the importance of:

1. the inherent dignity in each and every one of us, as we are all made in the image of God,
2. working together to ensure the wellbeing of all people,
3. all people having the right to participate in decisions that affects them,
4. that caring for the poor is everyone’s responsibility,
5. the economy being of service to others, not just a money-making machine,
6. caring for the environment and each other, through respect for, and sharing of, resources, and
7. promoting peace in all of our actions, as peace is the fruit of justice.

More on the CST can be found by visiting: http://www.caritas.org.au/about/catholic-social-teaching-values

Returning to our theme “Purposeful todays transform tomorrow”, we are called to make changes in our lives today so that we can transform our world tomorrow. St Mary’s Parish community is transforming lives this weekend, and we can help. They are hosting a group of refugees for a homestay this coming weekend, and on Sunday 6 May there will be a lunch and activities taking place at St. Mary’s School Auditorium. We are invited to  assist with the serving of lunch, playing games with the children, and sitting down to talk to the people present. What a great way to give back to our community by being of service to others, to show that we believe in the human dignity of all people and can work together for the common good. If you can help out please come to St. Mary’s on Sunday from 11.30am – 2.30pm. We look forward to seeing you there.