Mission & Catholic Identity News
The influence of Catholic education
I always enjoy reading Catholic Education Today that comes home in the bottom of my own children’s school bag. The latest edition, in the editorial, speaks about the influence of Catholic education. It makes note that research both in Australia and overseas, emphasise the positive influence of a Catholic education. Especially with promoting social cohesion and a sense of belonging. Also in the editorial it mentions a survey that investigated racist bullying and concluded that Catholic schools are very successful with encouraging a caring and supportive environment. We promote the above learning in many ways at St Peter’s College. Through our pastoral care programs and in our rigorous contemporary Religious Education curriculum, that encourages a learning about other faith traditions and that we are all made in the image of God. We are proud that our staff and students work and study in a vibrant and diverse environment, where we love one another, as called by the Gospel.
Learnings from Paul
We hear naturally at our College, much about St Peter. So it was refreshing this week to learn more about St Paul. A number of staff had the opportunity to participate in an after school session provided by Mr. Bernard Dobson on ‘In the footsteps of St Paul’. Bernard is an enthusiastic speaker and has a deep passion for theology. He has a wisdom from his many pilgrimages and study, plus from being a Catholic Principal for over 30 years in Melbourne! I encourage all staff, parents, and members of the wider community to attend one of his sessions, when advertised in this section of the newsletter.
A take away learning of my own from this session, amongst many learnings, was a story that has deep implications for us in a Catholic place of learning in regard to the pastoral care that we provide.
One Paul story…
Whilst Paul was in prison an earthquake destroyed the prison and immediately the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. The jailer supposed that all had escaped and prepared to kill himself and his family in a merciful manner to avoid being killed for allowing an escape. But Paul, who did not run away because he was aware of the fate awaiting the jailer, called out to him “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” (Acts 16: 28) The jailer and his family were all converted and Paul was set free by the magistrates.
Paul had a great mission from God to preach, but that mission did not stop him from the greater calling to act justly and love mercy to save the jailer.
Are you named after a Saint?
Last week I spoke about the meaning of Halloween. All Saints' Day is the second day of Hallowmas on the 1st of November. It is a national holiday in many historically Catholic countries. Due to our love of a horse race, I think it would be a bit rich to get this as a public holiday as well! The Catholic Church teaches that it does not make or create saints, but rather, recognises them. We recognise them in many ways, some of us are named after a saint. By the way, my favourite saint is Saint Vincent of Saragossa.
Thank you
Recently, we have been fortunate to receive a grant from Trinity Families and the Diocese of Sale. This grant was a joint effort between St Peter’s College and St Vincent de Paul (southern region). I thank Mr. David Edwards, head of Vinnies for our region, with his support with the grant application and his ongoing support of our Breakfast Club, to where the grant funding will be directed.
Upcoming Events:
- Solomon Island Immrsion, November 20-28.
- Year 12 Retreat (2020 cohort), November 27-29.
- Australian Catholic Youth Festival, Perth December 8-10 (6 students, 1 staff member attending).
Matthew Williams
Deputy Principal - Mission & Catholic Identity