Catholic Identity & Mission News

Pope Francis on Twitter

I’m a keen follower of Pope Francis on Twitter. In 280 characters or less, he is able to make theology accessible and aspirational. I screen capture his tweets on my phone and then type them up, selecting one each week to post on our SPACE news and send to various staff groups around the school. The tweet I chose for this week is: “Faith is not an album of past memories; Jesus is not outdated. He is alive here and now. He walks beside you each day, in every situation you are experiencing, in every trial you have to endure, in your deepest hopes and dreams.” For me, this tweet encapsulates all we’d like for our students to learn and appreciate in their Catholic education here at St. Peter’s College.

As our College patron St Peter argued in the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus is for everyone. Jesus himself was radically inclusive, and St Peter argued that the Gospel message wasn’t just for the ‘chosen few’ but for all (Acts 15:5-11). Faith journeys are individual and unique and we respect that greatly at St. Peter’s College, but as a Catholic school, it’s central to our Mission that all will have the opportunity to know the message that this Tweet sums up so beautifully: Jesus is not outdated, but present with us today throughout our ups and downs. We continue to invite our students to know Jesus, and his lessons for life, through our RE program, the sacraments and through our outreach activities, among other things. 

We can also know and appreciate Jesus through the examples of our House Patrons. This week we celebrated Glowrey House Feast Day. Dr Sr Mary Glowrey (1887-1957) was an Australian doctor and nun, who dedicated her life and talents to the service of others, particularly in India. She is on the path to sainthood and has been declared a ‘Servant of God’. I believe that our students feel a special connection with their House Patrons and they are encouraged to remember just who motivated these remarkable men and women to live their selfless and extraordinary lives: Jesus. 

Following such examples, the Social Justice Captains and I are currently working towards the establishment of Young Vinnies ‘conferences’ on each of our campuses, which will help to formalise our works for St Vincent de Paul’s Winter and Christmas Appeals. For the Winter Appeal, we again hope to be able to host Winter Sleepouts for our senior students not only to raise awareness of the very real hardship of homelessness, but also to raise much needed funds for St V de P so that they can continue to support those in need. 

And speaking of much needed funds, my very sincere thanks to all who supported our fundraising efforts for Caritas’ Project Compassion Appeal. I am so delighted to announce that the College was able to donate $7000 to Caritas on behalf of all in our community. What a mighty effort! We are very proud and grateful for the enthusiasm shown by those who created opportunities to promote the work of Caritas, through their fund-raising projects – thank you! It shows that there’s nothing outdated about showing love for our neighbour, or for putting our faith into action here and now. 

Zion Youth Group Open Night

The group will be gathering for the first meeting of 2021! All age groups from the age of 11-25 years are welcome!  The group will be split into 3 sub-groups based on age. Come and experience the joy & excitement of a faith filled life with peers your own age!  We are a group that focuses on how Jesus is relevant to you as a young person in this crazy world we live in today!  It will be a space where we can explore what we believe, in the context of the Church, in a way that is exciting, relevant, fun, creative and new!! 

And let’s not forget that there will also be great opportunities for future outings, retreats and camps! PLEASE JOIN US!!

When:    Friday, 30 April 2021 - 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Where:   St. Peter’s College, Clyde North

TOPIC:  Personal Encounter

FREE Mystery Dinner Box Provided!!

For further enquiries contact 5998 0947.

It is essential to book on the try booking link below.  Please contact us if there are any allergies or dietary requirements.

Fiona McKenna

Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity & Mission