Acting Leader of Mission
Find new ways to spread the word of God to every corner of the world”
Pope Francis
Dearest Marian Community,
What a year 2021 has been!
This year, our mission was to instill love in all that we do and seek ways that we as a community could experience love and help others experience it abundantly. The teaching we used as inspiration was from the Holy Spirit and we aimed to spread this within our community according to the Lord's commandment for us to "live a life of love" (Ephesians 5:2). We look to the teachings of Aristotle and the concept of happiness. In order to seek happiness, we must look to help those around us flourish if we are to truly experience the meaning of eternal happiness (Eudaimonia). As we look to bring this year to a close we reflect on the year we have had as a College and all work we put into living the life as intended by God, living a life of love.
At the beginning of the year, our College embarked on its mission to demonstrate compassion for communities around the world who are suffering and living in poverty through donating to Caritas - Project Compassion. The challenge that was set aligned itself with the 2021 mission statement from Project Compassion “BE MORE”. As a College community, we raised a total of $3655. To put this into perspective, this is $1200 more than 2019. This was a fantastic way for our College to demonstrate the generous nature of our community and the compassionate culture we were beginning to build.
Term 2 saw the I-Care Kits as our major College service project. By the end of collections, we were able to put together over 50 kits of necessary personal items that went to those in most need within our community. The Linking Communities Network were able to distribute the I-Care kits we created to support those who they were able to identify as being the most desperate in our local community. As a College, we continued to work hard in our commitment to service and reconnect with our community through Carevan, as well as the funds and awareness raised with the Marian Biggest Morning Tea. Our staff also had the opportunity to engage with our annual Spirituality Day. The aim of our Spirituality Day was to explore how all Christians are called to grow together in unity and mission. We were fortunate enough to have Mark O'Farrell from Marist Schools Australia come to Marian and facilitate the program. One of the key messages that resonated most with staff is that as we breathe in, we feed and nourish our physical bodies and nurture our inner life. But we can’t hold our breath. After being fuelled by the breath of the love of God we are compelled to breathe out, to give life to others and creation (Ezk 37:1-14).
Unfortunately for Term 3, COVID put a halt to our work with Needy Paws, though through a collaborative effort, our College was able to donate a small contribution towards the work they do. During the lockdown period, students and staff were challenged to participate in a daily Random Acts of Kindness Challenge. This challenge allowed for our school community to build an understanding that living a life of mission isn’t about doing something grand for the sake of being recognised by others as doing something charitable. Sometimes, it’s a simple random act of kindness that makes a difference in someone's life. Both staff and students reacted positively to the project, so I continue to challenge staff, students and the Marian Catholic College community to live a life of mission through their positive interactions with those around them.
Finally in Term 4, our annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper appeal was brought to life. We were able to create 41 hampers that will be donated to Saint Vincent de Paul and distributed to those within our community who are in most need. The enthusiasm and compassionate spirit that the staff and students have demonstrated at Marian Catholic College towards this project has been incredible to witness. I am certain that those within our community will deeply appreciate the work we have done to support them during this time. My personal thanks is extended to our staff for all their work within Homerooms in promoting and encouraging our students to develop a compassionate and giving spirit. An immense thank you goes out to you, our students and members of our College community for all the work that you have done in order to express and demonstrate love and care for all of God's creation. May we continue to develop this spirit with all our College initiatives in 2022.
As we continue the acknowledgement of success, our annual celebratory assemblies of Harmony Day and NAIDOC week demonstrated our ability to unite as one and pay respect to the diverse culture at our College and to the traditional custodians of our land. Our commitment to both will be reignited in 2022 with the hope of having a deeper and more meaningful connection within our College and wider community.
2022 is already shaping itself to be a big year for our College in the space of Evangelisation and Religious Education. Our focus will be on forming a Christ-centred Community, where staff and students will establish an understanding of a shared Catholic worldview. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Belinda Aventi for all she has contributed to over the past seven years as the Leader of Liturgy. The inspiring nature of every liturgy, mass and feast day has made for genuine encounters with Christ through her meticulous planning and organisation. I most definitely have big shoes to fill as I look to fulfil the new role as the interim Leader of Faith Formation and Mission for 2022.
I hope that you have an incredible break and festive period with your families. May you come back refreshed and ready to take on the journey of the new year with all the opportunities that await us. In all that we do, let us remember to look to the Lord for guidance and comfort and always remember to “Live the Marian Way” through the expression of living by our College motto “The Way, The Truth and The Life”.
Until next year, thank you everyone for making this year a success.
“Best wishes to everyone, so that in the new year, humanity might progress
On the path of fraternity, justice and peace”
Pope Francis
Yours in Faith
Mr Abdala
Acting Leader of Mission