Pastoral Care News
Whilst we were acknowledging and celebrating Harmony Day last week there was another noteworthy day which seems extremely relevant to the C.A.T's current promotions and activities. World Water Day, on 22 March always falls during Lent and just as this period of time is extremely significant to members of many faiths in regards to life, death and eternal life the importance of water in our lives cannot be overemphasised. No individual or community can survive without water.
The Bible makes reference to water on many occasions; indeed without water life on Earth would have never begun. Genesis 1. 20 states "Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life..." The story of creation suggests that without water, there is no life. Scientists have proven that water makes up about sixty percent of our bodies and is necessary for all of our bodily functions and that in some capacity every organism needs water to survive; therefore without water, life does not exist. Water is life.
Thursday 4th April the C.A.T will be hosting a "Bake and Cake Stall" raising funds to purchase water for the small community of Louth in far west NSW. We invite and encourage all of our MCC community to support us, as we try and ease the burden and lift the spirits of the people of Louth. World Water Day theme this year "We are leaving no one behind" is particularly poignant as such a small community could easily be forgotten. We will have a variety of treats available for sale on the day however would gladly except donations of baked goods or even bottles of water. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you or you business would like further information or to be involved.
It seems the cooler mornings have arrived and with that sees us all reaching for an extra layer to provide warmth. Please remember to contact me if your child requires assistance in accessing winter uniform items and I will help where I can. Thank you to everyone who continue to donate quality items. I can not stress enough what a huge financial relief it is to many of our families.
The C.AT were fortunate enough to be joined by St Vincent de Paul School Officer for the Diocese, Cindy James this week and it was a wonderful opportunity for Cindy to meet many of the students and hear their goals and visions for 2019. Cindy also took the time to explain and show the students how Griffith rates in regards to economic and social disadvantage compared to the other regions within NSW as well as shared information regarding a new recycling initiative that "Vinnies" will implement during the next few months. Cindy congratulated the team on their efforts to date and wished them well with their future endeavours.
It has been a huge week for the students as they also had the opportunity to meet with Senator Deborah O'Neill who is the Shadow Assistant Minister for Innovation as well as Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health. Senator O'Neill was also impressed with the commitment and dedication of the group who along with members of the Year 11 Wellbeing Committee are working to reduce the impact of social injustice and support the disadvantaged and marginalised within society.
Finally, a special thankyou to our student volunteers and TAS staff Mrs Shannon, Miss McMahon and Mrs Davidson who kindly gave up their lunch time and recess to cook for CAREVAN last week. Along with Mr Neville, there are also a few students who volunteer independently from the school to assist onsite so it is wonderful to see many putting their faith into action and expecting nothing in return.
Have a wonderful week, stay safe and stay warm
Regards Sue Hone (Pastoral Care Worker)