From the Rector

Greetings! It is hard to believe that this is the second last newsletter for 2022. However, there are still a variety of activities to be undertaken before the college finally closes. Another clue that tells me the end of the year is quickly approaching is when I see our students proudly carrying home their completed wood and metalwork projects. On Sunday we will celebrate the final gathering of our Year 12 cohort as they come together with their parents/guardians at St Simon the Apostle, Rowville for their Valedictory Mass and then dinner at Cathies Lane Receptions, Wantirna South. As a college community, we pray for our graduating Year 12 cohort as they commence this next exciting stage of their life’s journey.

Scripture Reflection 

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King and the last Sunday of the Year C cycle of Sunday readings. Next Sunday will be the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the new liturgical year with the Sunday readings from Year A. This feast can be difficult to understand. The history of this feast was introduced in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. Interestingly, as the Pope points out in his encyclical (letter of the Pope) that accompanied the event, the introduction of the feast was a warning against the totalitarian governments of the 20th century.  It was a statement against the situation of Europe between the two World Wars. Today we are still aware that there are kings in this world who terrorize, over tax, humiliate, overexploit and abuse those they are to lead and care for.

Christ the King and His Kingdom are unlike any other in this world. In our gospel, we hear that Christ who is the King of all, being nailed on the cross with the two criminals. Here we see Christ hanging on the cross with no one to turn to. All His followers and friends are leaving Him. Jesus’ followers are frustrated with Him as they are afraid that their lives are in danger. They are expecting a Messiah who would liberate them from the domination of foreign powers and here comes Jesus being humiliated. Jesus instead is doing the opposite of what they expect. He turns upside down their own idea of a Messiah. He shows them a different kind of king – a humble and servant King. Even with all the mockery and insults coming from soldiers and people, the response of Jesus is: “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.” Wow! Christian forgiveness is an amazing thing that no other forgiveness can overpower. The great Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, used to say to himself every morning when he woke up: “Today you will meet all kinds of people; they will hurt you and insult you and injure you, but you cannot live like that, you know better for you are a man in who the spirit of God dwells. We are all Christ’s men and women, and we must forgive as He forgives”.

Let us pray on this Feast: 

Jesus, forgive our faults and failings against you and your people.

Jesus, help us by our lives, to spread the good news of the different kind of King you are.

Jesus, help us to know how to live as your Kingdom People in these times.

Jesus, we ask you to remember us in your Kingdom, so that we may live in peace with you.

St Eugene de Mazenod

Pray for us

Year 10B Food Tech Exam

Year 10B treated the staff to a sumptuous morning tea as part of their Food Technology exam on 9th November. I was pleased to be invited to be the client for Austin Alvarez who produced delicious apple and mixed berry jaffles. Well done to all the students who passed with flying colours. 

Around our College

As we approach the last couple of newsletters, I thought I would include some extra pictures that capture the diversity of learning activities around our college: retreats, robotics, woodwork, and outdoor science. 

Year 8 Gavin & Cagney RE - Social Justice 

MAMI Christmas Cards - Take the worry out of buying Christmas presents!

Year 8 Gavin and Cagney RE have given a great witness to the approaching season of Christmas. We know the festive season is about giving, however, when we reflect on our lives, we know that, in most cases, we have all that we need whilst some of our brothers and sisters strive for the basic necessities of life.

Our Year 8 students raised money through a social justice project and have asked that this money be donated to the Oblate missions via the Christmas card project. This project is about giving a Christmas card for a specific need that will help another, to your family or friends instead of gifts. This giving offers hope to others as they know someone cares about their plight and in most cases, it is a gift that keeps on giving. The money raised by the students will assist rural communities to build a sustainable future through the provision of water, toolboxes for students learning a trade, chickens, and goats that provide milk and eggs for food and for books. This is a great awareness of students and highlights Social Justice in practical action.

This could be your chance to think about Christmas in a different way. Why not send a card to family or friends indicating that you have donated on their behalf to help other families in need? Cards of various amounts can be purchased from our front desk with cash only or directly from our MAMI website: www.oblates.com.au/christmas-cards.

The De Mazenod Family will once again be running online sessions for their Advent Program - Adore. This year they are being a little adventurous and focusing on a series of Art relating on Mary’s early life. There will be opportunities to share in prayer, reflection, and discussion amongst other things. Come to one, some or all the sessions. This is an opportunity for our families, staff and students to prepare spiritually for Christmas and it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Online sessions will be on Thursday evenings in December (starting on 1st December) leading up to Christmas at 8.00pm. We look forward to “seeing” you when you join us for a session. https://demazenodfamily.com.au/programs/adore/

Oblates in Ukraine

On a recent visit to Rome, an Oblate serving in the Ukraine mission, brought a piece of a missile that was fired and landed in a local civilian community. Our new Superior General, Fr. Luis Alonso OMI, has placed this sign of war at the foot of St Eugene’s cross and image to pray for peace and the most abandoned people at this time. It is a timely reminder for all of us not to forget our fellow brothers and sisters and Oblates, who are currently enduring hardship. Let us remember to pray for peace in our world, especially in the areas being devastated by unnecessary acts of war. 

Fr John Joseph Archbold OMI - RIP

It was with sadness that we received the news of the passing of Fr John Archbold OMI in Fremantle on 17th November.  Fr John was born on the 9th October 1933 in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, Ireland, and was educated at Knockbeg College. He took his first vows on 24th October 1952 at Cahermoyle and was ordained a Priest on 21st September 1958 at Piltown. He joined the staff of Belcamp College, and was its headmaster, 1976 to 1984. Fr John had a great love for reading.  After his ministry in education, he undertook a sabbatical in South America visiting Oblate missions in Brazil; he loved the Spanish language. Fr John arrived in the Australian Province in 1994, the last of several Anglo-Irish Oblates who came to assist the Australian Province. He was the first Oblate chaplain at Notre Dame University,

ACC Debating and Public Speaking

Congratulations for our Year 7 and 8 students who represented the college in the ACC Debating and Public Speaking. Our Year 7 team performed well. With all four students scoring in the top 10 students of each round. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough to bring the pennant home, but it was an extraordinary event which saw only 8 points separate the top 4 teams. Our Year 8 students performed very well winning all three of their debates which lead them to taking the Division 1 pennant. Congratulations to all the students and to our teachers who assist our students in this area.

Reminders for the approaching summer months. (Hopefully!)

Summer essentials! But there's a very important word we're missing. Answer in next newsletter.

Enjoy your weekend! 

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector